FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have NEVER, EVER tried live plants in my tank. Heck, I can't really keep any non-aquatic plant alive so why would I think I can do this???

The thing is, I just love the look of a well planted tank and I'm pretty sure there are benefits of live plants to the fish?? I'm in the "early" consideration and research stage.

I'm concerned since I'm a really busy person...I am a stay-at-home mom of 5 wonderful children so you can see why I'm busy! I also do not have extra $$$ to do any major investing into equipment---IF special equipment will be necessary for some basic live plants.

So, with all this being said, can anyone direct me to some helpful information, links, etc. on possibly beginning a basic live plant tank?

I have a 46gallon bowfront tank & you can see my tank content in my profile. It has been up & running for 2 years now! I have plastic plants but you know, well, what can I say...they are fake & plastic. The tank light bulb is the original bulb that came with it & the writing seems to have worn off so I don't know what the wattage is.

We also have well water...I don't know if that would make a difference or not. If anyone wants to give any kind and helpful comments one way or another, I'd surely appreciate any help/advice I could get.

Last edited by angiewny at 26-Mar-2005 07:45

Well, the best tip I can give you is to read Bensaf's article about the secrets to a successful planted tank:
part 1
part 2
part 3

There's also a sticky on the top of the forum that also deals with the same issue. Frank's answer would help as well.

Good luck!

Hi,
Along with your reading, please tell us a bit more about
your tank. Certainly it is "seasoned" and should support
just about any plant you should decide to try.

However,it would be good to know what your pH, GH, and
KH values are.
How often do you change water, and how much?
Is the bulb flourscent? If so, you will probably need
to change the light as flourscents "wear out" after a
year and while they still emit light, its not the
same quality.
What fish are in the tank? Some love to munch on them
and others don't.

Once you do the reading, and reply to the questions,
I'm sure that we can make some suggestions as to some
plants that will thrive under the conditions that exist
in your tank and will cause you very little further time.

Frank


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

Hey Angie,

First off can you post some info about the in habitants of the tank because I heard that ALOT of fish like to chow on some plants

Anyways, to adress your $$$ issue and not being able to purchase alot of expensive equipment for your fish and everything I understand because iam in the same situation and its isant that kind of thing, because iam deep into the hobby. Here are some of the supplies you'll need with some some-what accurate prices and places you might be able to find them at...( hope it helps ):

1. First you will need to buy some flourescent light bulbs because your plants will thrive on them and so will your fish. They are anywhere form 5$-20$ea. Depending on your lightbuld size-you can find them at WAL-MART, HOME DEPOT, or your LFS.

2. You will need get some good substrate or gravel for your new plants to root deep into. You should be able to get away with anything form 1 1/2 - 2inches.

3. Also and most importantly you will need to research some plants that will interest you. For starters i would suggest some wide leafed amazons, they are colorful, broad and realy perk up your tank. Others that are fun you can find on this web site: www.aquaticplanteddepot.com - If your not sure about some plants check back with anyone of us and we will help you out. You might want to just start out with 2-4 plants and build up with those. Just like fish.

4. After you have plants you might want to get some growth formua and plant enhancers. They run anywhere from 3-10$.

Now I remember you mentoning something about the benefits for your fish and yes there aresome. One of them that iam aware of and just love is that they will provide oxegyn for your fish and they love that. So i hope that i helped you out and hope you can thrive in this hobby.


Peter

20 GALLON LONG CURRENTLY EMPTY ~~~~ 10 GALLON W/ STRIPPED CONVICT

Angie - remember one thing if and when you take the plunge. Soaking a plant in 1 Tbsp/Gal of kitchen alum (spice aisle of grocery store) overnight will kill snails and dissolve their eggs. My tank has been snail free for 2.5 years with this practice and I could see the eggs and snails when I bought the plants. Rinse well.

I also soak them in a solution of potassium permangenate to kill off bacteria and parasites. Jungle's Clear Water is just that and I squirt enough into a bucket of water to make it a deep purple. It is soaked for 10 minutes then rinsed well. Water freshly dechlorinated will deactivate the stuff and turn it brown so use aged or tank water.

Have fun - I'll leave the rest for the experts. You may want to consider slow growing plants that don't need much light or co2. But DIY co2 is easy and I stalled my feet too long.

angiewny

Welcome over to the world of live plants.

Yes they can become more work but the benifits to your tank out weighs all the effort you put in.
Read all the info then reread it again.

When you have done all that the questions will come easy and you should have a perfectly healthy and happy tank.

There are members who will also help with the Aquascape it is just a matter of asking.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I just wanted to thank everyone for your responses!!! I really appreciate your kindness and willingness to help me!

I will read through these and respond to any asked questions soon.

What you want is something that can be dropped in the tank and forgotten about (5 kids , yikes!). You don't want to be spending any money on equipment or plant food (5 kids - yikes). You want it to look good but not require time consuming maintenance to keep it looking good (5 kids-yikes). Can it be done ? Yes very very easily.

All you need is a decent flourescent bulb. Don't know what kind of lighting you have now but all you need is a bulb or bulbs that total to about 48 to 60 watts. It should be a normal everyday bulb marked "daylight", NOT "warm white" or check the packing for a temp around about the 6500K mark. That's it. No need for anything else. Nothing.Don't worry about substrate, Co2, fertilizers or water chemistry.

Next you need plants. Stick to Cryptocorenes, Anubias, Java Ferns, Mosses. Nothing else. People will tell you this plant will work or that plant will work. Maybe they will, but you don't want them , we're keeping to zero maintenance here (5 kids-yikes). These plants you put in and you walk away (with the exception of the moss, which may need a "haircut "from time to time.

These plants will work in the lighting I mentioned above but will grow very slowly, this is a good thing (5 kids - yikes). You put them in the tank and you walk away , you will probably never have to touch them again (5 kids yikes).Any variety of the above plants will do.

The Anubias, Fern and Moss can be tied to wood or rock to create height and layers. Different varieties can be used to create contrast - Java Fern is available in different sizes and leaf shapes all as easy to keep as the other.As are the others.Plant a lot of them.

Use driftwood and rocks to create focal points , these don't require trimming or feeding (5 kids - yikes!). Arrange these in a way that is pleasing to you. You get bored with the look, lift out the rocks and wood with the plants attached, rearrange and voila you have a new tank !

Stick to above and you will have almost no problems. Growth will be very slow, but who cares you're already very busy (5 kids- ok you get the picture). Too much light or using different plants, messing with fertilizers and you're on the way to giving yourself a headache.

Try it. If it doesn't work I'll babysit your kids for a week !

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.