Live plant information mation need for a 29 gallon freshwater aquarium?

Question

I have a couple questions about putting live plants in my fish tank. The tanks dimensions are 30"L 12" W 17" H.

1 The light that the tank came with is a grow light (24 inches) but is is only 17 watts and 8000k are there any plants suitable for this lighting or would i need a stronger light to meet low light plant needs. If i have to get a new light how much do they cost and where could i get one?

2 If i got low light plants such as a java fern and java moss would i need a C02 dispenser to keep it alive?Also what would be other supplies would i need to keep my plants thriving?

3 Would i need to get special substrate or could i just have normal gravel in the fish tank with plant food and supplements.

4 If everything works out what are some extra tips on growing Java fern and Java moss and could you recommend any other low light plants that would work and have a easy care level.

Answer 1

The java ones you mensioned above and anubias are probably the only plants I would attempt with that lighting. Even then, you may grow more algae than plants.



I use freshwater sand in my planted tanks. Caribsea makes some nice small gravel and sand suitable for fw tanks. You will definitely get better growth with eco complete or other plant ready substrates.



As far as CO2, it works in combination with lighting and fertilizer. Without more light the plants don't need the CO2, so it's mostly a waste. It can help control algae though, so something to keep in mind.

Answer 2

Technically you need to. besides the incontrovertible fact that it is extra technical and costly than only installation an basic clear out. you need to possibly do a single betta in a 10gal, and clear out with plant life in basic terms. yet, you % the suitable lighting fixtures furniture, substrate and food to maintain the plant life becoming precise so as that they act as your clear out equipment. The plant life advance, and soak up nitrogen (ammonia and nitrate), phosphate, sulphate etc from the water, and convey oxygen on your fish. so which you DO have a clear out "equipment", only it is created from plant life. extra technical, and you are going to be able to't save as many fish the two. For a newbie I recommend you do no longer bypass that way. tips about a thank you to run a tank AND advance plant life efficiently, then evaluate experimenting with this as quickly as you're no longer a newbie to any extent further. Ian

Answer 3

here's an article that might help you from Drs Foster and smith.



http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=101



AND this article.



http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=102