FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi all!

I have a 3 gallon Eclipse tank that I usually keep a betta in. It is currently empty. I was thinking of using it to isolate one of my guppies when I realized today that I have a 6 watt bulb in there. This means that its 2 wpg right? Okay....so then I got all excited and began to wonder whether I could make this a planted tank even though it is only 3 gallons. Can I? Is this feasible?

I bought some of the Walmart aponogetons for my 20g (but still on a lighting search) but I'd like to throw one in the 3 gallon. Can I do this?

One more question before I go....can I add substrate even though it is only a 3 gallon and what do you recommend?

Thanks a lot!

I did basically the same thing in my 2.5g tank...but it was 15 watts...that's 6 WPG...

I'd get eco-complete as a substrate.

I had a walmart apono bulb in my 2.5g...it did okay...

My entire tank was taken over by algae. BGA, green algae, and thread algae were 3 that could be ID'd.

It's a pain in the neck to do a tiny tank like this...ya can't even put your hand in it to plant something without the water overflowing out of the tank

Good luck!

Hi,
Yes, it is very much a doable thing.
Provided, the bulb is not an incandescent bulb.
If it is, replace it with one of the screw in
flourscent bulbs that you can purchase from
any hardware store.

As far as substrate is concerned, for long term
success, I'd use 100% Flourite, or Onyx. They are
made from a form of laterite an iron rich clay, and
will support your plants for years and years.

In such a small tank, you will want to use care
when choosing plants, I'd choose some dwarf ones
and use one larger one as a center piece. Decorate
using shades of green and shapes of leaves.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thank you Pancake. So is your 2.5 tank still planted?

Frank....I really do appreciate you. Might I bother you for specific plant names? I am not going to plant the aponogeton bulbs in the tank for fear it will grow too tall. I think I am going to shoot for shorter/wider plants.

Is there a site that tells you a plant's maximum height potential?

Thanks.

there is a great plant site out there for sure
heres a link
[link= Tropica Web Site for Plants]http://www.tropica.com [/link]

Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

Thanks Sneaky_Pete!

I don't have any gravel in the tank anymore (too much of a hassle in a little tank with a lot of light...it's easier for the snail to clean the bottom when I put him in), so I have a bunch of floating plants like duckweed, hornwort, and anachris.

In such a small tank i wouldn't go with a rich substrate, that is what may cause the algae blooms, i would rather use fine peagravel and add fertilizers on plant demand. I think it's better to be safe than sorry.

As for plants it all depends on your taste, i would go for small plants and a big center piece as Frank suggested.

You can also check the plant profiles below, and do a little research on which you like and which you can actually grow in your tank.

Good luck

the wpg rule doens't really apply to small tanks because plants need a certain "minimum" amount of light to grow at all. However you might as well give it a go anyway and see what you can get to work - just pointing out that it's possible that any medium/high light plants wouldnt do as well as expected. :/