KiwiGal77 Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 I'm trying to decide if I want to set my tank up ready for plants, figuring it would be easier to do now while I only have two fish in there and I'm still waiting for it to cycle. So if I was going to change it from silk plants to real plants, as a complete newbie what would I need to do? I would like low tech - natural light only (I have massive windows though) and no CO2. I know this reduces my choices of plants to just the hardy and low-medium light ones, but figure I can always get lights and other fancy stuff in the future if I want/need. I currently just have white silica sand as substrate, maybe 4cm deep. I'm guessing this isn't going to be good enough to grow plants in? I love the light colour and would like to keep that look, and I'll have corys so need the fine substrate. Would either want a light coloured & fine plant-friendly alternative, something with similar properties I could mix through with my current sand to make it more plant fertile, or I guess something to layer under the sand (which will be a pain, as I'll have to empty the tank completely!) Also what sort of general maintenance is required for planted tanks? Do people find it significantly increases work load and cost? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 I think you should come and visit and have a look at my low tech tank. It's an AR980, stock standard lights and is looking great. I am in Epsom (Mount St John Ave) and you are welcome to visit any time. You can, if you want, also look at my high tech set up so you can see what is involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Hi Adrienne, That would be awesome, thanks! I actually currently work in Epsom (for the next week), so could swing by after work one day if you're home late avo? I'll send you a PM (if I can work out how lol) First plant is still alive, that's a good start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanityChelle Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 You'll be fine without Co2, I would recommend a cheap light on the tank rather than sunlight, as it does open up your choices heaps. These would well, and wouldn't break the bank : http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catal ... KU=1507668 My tanks are all low tech planted, and get about 6 hours of light time a day, plus they're in a bright room. None of the tanks have deep substrates at all, and I don't fertilise them. (Sorry if these are huge images) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Your tanks look awesome! Can I ask what the plants are in the front of the first tank? And the thick grass-like stuff growing between the rocks in the last one? I've just had a friend also say I don't need fancy (expensive) substrate for the basic plants I'm after either. So maybe I could get away with just the silica sand and if needed throw a fert tablet under them? Hmmm... now I'm also wanting a different, higher piece of driftwood. I love the shape of mine, has a cool tunnel underneath for the fish, but it's quite little. I have a lot of space in the top 2/3 of my tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 If I was to have lighting it would have to be on a timer. Most days a week I'm gone by 7.30am, and regularly don't get home until 10pm to midnight. Couldn't leave lights on for that long I'm guessing! So natural it will have to be. These are the plants I'm interested in. Are any of them difficult or NOT suitable for a basic low tech tank?? Anubias Nana (already got 1) Java Fern (1 on the way) Stargrass Twisted Vallisneria Amazon Sword (or something similar shape but not quite so large?? For a back corner) Dwarf Sagittaria Any recommendations for 10ish cm high foreground plants that won't cover up my entire substrate?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nononomome Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Any recommendations for 10ish cm high foreground plants that won't cover up my entire substrate?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Any recommendations for 10ish cm high foreground plants that won't cover up my entire substrate?? dwarf sag (3-5 cm) and Crypts (10-15cm) will be good foreground plants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanityChelle Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 The plants in the front of the first tank are small amazon swords, and the skinny plant in the 3rd tank is actually Narrow leaf Java fern. You definitely don't need any fancy substrate, I've been growing plants in that third tank, and it's only gravel (though I'm wanting to change it to sand at the moment). Ferts will help them grow really well. Spiderwood is awesome looking driftwood for tanks, though it's usually quite expensive to get from the store. You could ask on here is there's anyone around you with spare driftwood you might be able to have. And you can actually buy timers that plug in like an extension cord just from a supermarket that will turn your tank lights on and off for you. I've got my tanks set to when I'm up in the morning (like 7am to 8am), off while I'm at work, then back on from 5 to 10. Those are all really good plants to start with, crypts are good too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 Thanks everyone Think I've decided on my plants now: Anubias Nana Java Fern Dwarf Sag Sunset Hygrophila Twisted Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 Sounds good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal77 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Well I've set up my first planted tank Looking a little sad at the moment, but hopefully the plants will pick up once they adjust to my tank conditions and start some new healthy growth. Also looking forward to the crypts growing and filling in their gaps. Fish are certainly loving the extra hiding places, much more settled. Here it is the day after planting: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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