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I have a new 55g aquarium which I hope to put plants in some day. I have not set it up because I'm waiting for filter and other things to come in. I originally planned to put plants in right away but I didn't check my light fixture good and found out it only holds one bulb and not two. Since I don't have the money right now to buy a new light fixture and a single 40 watt bulb won't grow plants, I will have to wait.
The point of my story is...I bought some flourite to mix in with the gravel. Since I can't get plants now, should I wait to add it or go ahead and put it in when I set up the tank. Would it hurt anything to go ahead and add it? I think its a stupid question but I wonder about things like this.

*Kristin*

I would put it in now so you can get the cloudiness over with, and the tank will be bright and cleared up by the time you put the plants in.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

Thanks for your fast reply. I felt really dumb asking that question but I wasn't sure. Do you know of any plants that can survive under 1 wpg? I really wanted some now and was so upset when I looked and only saw one bulb.

*Kristin*

Flourite... yikes. Okay, word of advice... rinserinserinserinseRINSE and when you think you're done rinsing... rinse some more. Even after doing that, you're going to have SOME cloudiness.

Yeah, I'd go ahead and add the flourite right away so that you can get over the initial cloudiness faze. However, you'll likely have some sort of mini dust cloud everytime you disturb it.

As for low light plants, java ferns and cryptocorenes come to mind. Both will do well under low light.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

I'm only putting 1/4 flourite. I'm sure that doesnt make too much difference with the cloudiness...but maybe it will cut down on it a little. I am looking at crypts, and anubias. I may try to grow them with the low light. Thanks for your suggestions.

*Kristin*

Fourite is meant to be a complete subtrate. If you want to get any benefit from it, go at least 50%. What would you mix it with ?

The Amazon Nut...

I mixed very small gravel with my flourite on an occasion and have regretted it ever since. I would attempt to use 100% flourite if that is a realistic goal.

There are many species of crypts, anubias, and other plants that should do fine at that light level.

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=2

Last edited by jake at 04-Oct-2005 19:49