OK, I've been wanting to do this for years but never quit got around to it. Plants in my aquariums. Not the plastic ones anymore, real LIVE plants. Eventually I'd love to end up with lots of wavy, bushy, frilly, whatever but on the other hand I don't want to have to spend every waking moment taking care of them. (I like the sound of Java Fern. Put it in the tank and do nothin.) So what are some good starter plants and what should I do to take care of them? Things I need to read? :thanks:

In my freshwater tanks, I've always had snail-free Kyoto grass or sword plants.

Snail free was the key for me. They seemed to work better when it came to oxygenating the water to keep aelge away, and they seemed to live longer. not to mention, look prettier.

Petsmart sells snail-free plants.

That's just my opinion tho as to what worked best for me.

The best thing I have found for starter plants are Aponogetin bulbs (found in the fish department at Wall Mart) and java moss, both are very easy, just add to water and wait. :laugh:

agreed, these plants are awesome starter plants. add water and your set, maybe a little light. :)

i'm gonna move this to the plant forum.

For me to give suggestions for easy to care for plants I would like to know what kind of lighting you have on the tank. There are several easy to grow plants but lighting requirements can be different for several of these.

How many watts per gal.

Ummm, not positive how to figure that out but I have a single tube fluorescent w/FL 20 tube. Guess that's a 20 watt light. So 20/45 gallons= 0.44 watts per gallon? From what I've read that's low light. (seems pretty bright to me but...) Assuming I did the math right is that OK?

Oh, almost forgot to ask. How do you take care of a planted tank. Do you need to fertilize/feed them. With what? I've heard some people use Co2. Ummm, huh?

And thanks to all for your replies and for moving my post. Thought about putting it here but wasn't sure. (duh) :slap:

I see I'm going to need more light. No problem. I've got an all glass top so I could add a strip light. Or maybe I'll build a double 24", 40 watt fluorescent set up. (2X40/45=1.77 wpg) That should do it don't you think?

Try some Javafern and tie it to a decoration. It will not need more light.

Thanks glaive. Hey, I've got a Betta in my mini bow and would like to put some guppys in there as fry producers for my Betta to munch on. Think the javefern would work for the guppy fry? Can't find any javamoss at the moment. :pft:

You want somthing with feathery leaves or super tangeled with small gaps so the fry can get in but parents can't.

With that low of light there isn't much that I think will grow. If possible can you add another strip of at least 40 watts. Then you can get into the lower light plants.

For ferts, Seachems Flourish is good. CO2 you won't need as you don't have enough light , when you need to do that is when your lights start getting to at least 2.5 wpg.

In a low light situation of at least 1 wpg, you can do java ferns, mosses and some of the anubis plants.

Someplace they can hide out. Thanks dtroup. Susankatomerit, I agree I need more light and I'm currently working on new hood with 3 fluorescent lights that will put me in the 1.5 to 2 wpg range depending on whether I turn all the lights on. Daytime version all three tubes lit and night time you can turn just one on for pretty fish viewing. It will also have a compartment to keep the food, air pumps, etc. in. Should be interesting. I'll try to post a pic when it's done.

Since I'm on the subject, what kind of fluorescent light tubes do people use? Plain Jane ones? Plant/aquariun lights? Does it really matter? And what about algae growth? I know algae likes light but with the increased light am I gonna have a big problem with it? Thanks in advance! :thanks:

I use regular daylight bulbs from Walmart. If you keep fast growing plants along with what ever else you decide and get on a good fert regime the plants will compete with the algae and win out. But you must make sure the ferts are done right and according to directions.

Perfect. Thanks

Brads, I currently have what i am pretty sure is hornwort in my little Betta tank. My Betta loves hiding out in it. Its also done well in low light and very little in the ways of maintenance. I got it at Petsmart so if you are having trouble finding other suitable plants, i would suggest looking into it.

Thanks toolidge1. :) Hornwart is kinda where I was heading. Low light and grows fast. And since it's supposed to grow like crazy, I should be able to cut some for my friend George in short order. Perfect!