Best way to grow plants?

[SilverBlade86]

I'm about to get a bigger tank, and what to know whats the best way to grow plants so I can stock it? I only have some Red Rotala and Java Moss at the moment, but I might get some Ricca and maybe Java Ferns. I want to grow them as fast as possible, in a span of maybe a month or two.

Any suggestions on how to do this? (I'm only growing it cause as a student plants are quite expensive, and growing your own should be funner. 8) )

Also, how does one anchor Ricca to the substrate? I'm using gravel around 2cm ish (in size) and its around an inch thick from the bottom of the tank. My Java Moss is going to be anchored onto the driftwood and around, and I was hoping to use the Ricca as a carpet.

[evilknieval69]

Haha, its not just that easy mate. You would've heard the ol' saying, 'good things take time' That saying is soooo true in a planted aquarium. The growth rate of the plants depends on the lighting, the carbon and the ferts (macros and micros) For a tank with FAST growth, you will need alot of lighting, alot of co2 and to have the perfect fert doses. All of these things are very hard to get right, and take alot of time. Dont just expect to put plants in a tank with a light, and expect them to grow, FAST.....

My advice is to do ALOT of reading on planted tanks on these forums, on other forums and from articles, and decide the way you want to do it.

I wrote a little bit about planted tanks here .Have a read of that, then read more and then once you think you have read enough, read even more. Then come back to here and ask specialised questions of things you need to know....

I'm only growing it cause as a student plants are quite expensive,

ALOT of people on these forums are more than happy to send you plants cheap/free. Alot of the plants in my planted tank have come from people here. All you have to do, is return the favour to beginners, once you have your tank sorted, which i have done a little bit lately 8) :lol:

HTH

Rogan

[penguinleo]

Hi ya. What I would do is tie the Ricca onto a small bit of driftwood first. Then let it grow and grow until it starts to grow off the driftwood and onto the gravel. It really worked for me. Having underground heating is a very effective way in getting your plants in tiptop condition and quickly. the heat causes substrate circulation. One negative thing is that it is expensive... Get some substrate fert. as well. That will definately help. Maybe a CO2 unit too. But again, very expensive. :-? Good luck. :bounce:

[antwan]

If you can find a piece of slate the size you want the riccia carpet to be, just tie the riccia to that and lie it down on the substrate.

[ljtan55]

Java Ferns a little bit slow growing tho... you may not get that much growth in a month, maybe try something a little bit faster growing like indian fern or swords Watta bout indian ferns, swords and stuff, they grow pretty quick? Will be happy to send you some indian fern if you'd like.

[SilverBlade86]

If you can find a piece of slate the size you want the riccia carpet to be, just tie the riccia to that and lie it down on the substrate.

That actually makes sense, for quick results. Will give it a shot when I get my hands on it.

Java Ferns a little bit slow growing tho... you may not get that much growth in a month, maybe try something a little bit faster growing like indian fern or swords Watta bout indian ferns, swords and stuff, they grow pretty quick? Will be happy to send you some indian fern if you'd like.

Sweet as! I'll give you a PM.

[antwan]

How many watts does your lighting have? and how many litres is your tank-dimensions and litreage? Riccia requires a fair bit of light to grow quickly, especially if it's going to be a carpet on the ground.

[SilverBlade86]

I'm not planting it yet, I'm growing it before I plant it into my tank. Just want to prepare the various stuff I need to get my tank going before I go for it.