Tropical Fish with Live Plants...

thewebpop · 08-28-2006, 01:58 PM

As Jay has stated:
"There are two camps when it comes to plants..."
1-Aquariums with fish and plants.

2-Planted Aquariums with fish.

For those of us that are not ready for "rocket science" and a Full Blown Heavy Planted Tank...

Jay or Aaron, what could those of us that fall into catigory 1-Aquariums with fish and plants do to help our plants thrive without great expense/equipment?

Is it possible to do some basic stuff to Supply the plants with a consistent program of the nutrients (food) they need. Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphate etc.?

Thanks again for help and I am sure (Re-answering) the same questions over and over!
Later, Pops

ahill3780 · 08-28-2006, 02:47 PM

I will leave this mainly to Jay as he is much more experienced with aquatic plants than myself, but he has recently suggested to me that the use of dechlorinated tap water would be a good choice in planted tanks, and I agree with him.

Other than that all I can add is that you should supply enough light to the tank to reach the bottom, and keep it on a short cycle (Jay can fill you in on what the preferred photoperiod should be.)

Good luck Pop's!

-Aaron

Jay · 08-28-2006, 04:29 PM

Ok no rocket science

1. Two (2 watts per gallon of fluorescent light) on a 20 gal that's 40 watts.

2. A decent substrate, like fluorite which can be mixed 50/50 with gravel.

3. A reliable source of Carbon. Seachem Excel

3. A reliable source of Trace Elements like Seachem Flourish

4. Hearty low light plants like Anubis etc.

5. Dechlorinate tap water with the following ranges...

KH min 5
GH average

A moderate fish load and food used to supply NO3 and PO4

Immaculate house keeping!

Vacuuming and water changes at least once a week. Min. 25%

There it is, a complete guide on to how to be incredibly successful with aquarium plants, in less than a paragraph. I am good, very good

Lol.

Jay

thewebpop · 08-28-2006, 05:22 PM

No Rocket Science at all

Wow, Great Job Jay!

Thank You, This did not hurt a bit.

I will put this to good use and I am sure others will too.

Later, Pop's

thewebpop · 08-29-2006, 01:04 PM

Can anyone tell me what the names are of some of my plants?
The LFS let me have the bits-n-pieces floating in their plant tank
Here is a link to the Picture of my plants:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/WHATKIND.jpg
Later, Pop's

Jay · 08-29-2006, 01:34 PM

I don't want to spoil the fun of researching what plants you have, and their requirements.

Try this link -> Tropica

Who knows, it could keep you busy for hours

Jay

thewebpop · 08-29-2006, 01:57 PM

Ha! Ha! LOL...
I guess I deserved that.
Yes, it will keep me busy, which will be a good thing.
It will keep my hands out of my Tank for awhile and I am sure
the Fish will Thank You!
Thanks for the link Jay!
Later, Pop's

thewebpop · 08-30-2006, 09:23 PM

Man, a lot of these plant look so much alike. This is hard work Ha!
I am learning a lot though

I guess that is what Jay wanted to happen!
Later, Pop's