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Hi all,


Plant noob looking for some help here!
I've recently decided to get some plants but I'm not sure at all whether I can or they will survive with what I have at present.

I've got coral sand on the floor:

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-ornaments/natural-gravels-and-sand/coral-sand-and-marine-substrates/coral-sand-underworld-4k.html

And Ocean Rock for decoration.

My question is whether anything - and if so, what? - will grow in my tank?

Thanks in advance,

Moose

Hi Moose,
Welcome to Fish Profiles!
That is an interesting question. The coral sand is
basically Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and it will gradually
increase your water hardness also increase your pH into the
8's which is very alkaline. The fish you can keep with
that substrate are any of the live-bearers (sword-tails,
Platies, etc.) or African Rift Cichlid. For plants you
would want those that need calcium in their water to thrive
such as Vallisneria americana (natans).
For more plant suggestions I suggest you go to this site:
http://www.tropica.com/default.asp
If you read their home page (the link) you will see that
you can set a series of "filters" to help you narrow down
the plant choices. Look for plants with high hardness
and high pH tolerance.

As far as "ocean rock" that could be anything from basalt
to limestone, to reef rock. If it is reef rock then it
is generally blocks of coral before grinding them down
and again, it would be a carbonate rock.

Hope that helps...
Frank


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

A fine natural substrate, ideal for marine aquaria. The perfect medium for maximum biological activity.

That is a direct quote for that product.

See if I am correct it looks like you are using all marine substrate and rocks for a fresh water tank with plants.

Frank's info will be very helpful for you but being a plant "noob" I personally think you could very easily have problems when selecting fish and plants that will suit your tank.

Keith

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