Beginner Plants

[Aces11]

First off, I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

What are some good beginner plants that are low tech and low maintenance? Preferably something that doesn't cost a lot and absorb nitrate? I want to give my tank a little bit more natural look and I know almost nothing about plants.

 

[librarygirl]

Hi, this probably goes into the FW Planted tank section; I'm sure a Mod will come along and move it if it does.

I'm very new to plants too and asked an experienced member/seller here which plants would do well and she suggested Anubias (Bartieri, Nana), Java Fern, Windelov Fern, and any type of moss probably (Java Moss is what I have). So far they seem OK although I haven't had them long lol. I bought them from Severum Mama on this site; she may have more, not sure. Here's her listing: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f25/lots-of-nice-plants-177080.html

I highly recommend plants and/or fish from her.

There may be others but that's what I have so far.

 

[Terrance]

Java Moss and Java Fern is what I have. Its superb. Anubias is good too. All low lighting and does not need anything else besides the usual 50% pwc every week.

 

[aqua_chem]

Crpyts are pretty much impossible to kill IME. I planted one upside down once and it sorted itself out. Some beginning stems like Wisteria are good to if you think you have low-medium light.

 

[abrahamavelar]

Anacharis, hornwort fanwort moss

 

[Aces11]

Anachris, hornwort, and wisteria seem nice. Will my platys or endlers eat them? Would they be readily available at the pet store? Is there anything special I should know about them?

 

[aqua_chem]

Anachris, hornwort, and wisteria seem nice. Will my platys or endlers eat them? Would they be readily available at the pet store? Is there anything special I should know about them?

No, probably, and not really. If your tank is sufficiently stocked, you should be able to get away with not dosing much if you don't put a lot of plants in.

 

[Aces11]

I think I read that hornwort floats. Does it come in pots also?

 

[adadkins1]

Hornwort is generally just a floater. You can try planting it, but it may end up coming up rooted. I would have to suggest anacharis as the #1 plant for beginners. It is great, not too picky when it comes to needing ferts, and it grows fast. I just pruned mine today and it was 3ft long!

I personally don't recommend wisteria as it really needs a nutrient rich substrate to flourish. I tried some in a simple gravel substrate, and it failed. Same tank and lighting, but I had soil substrate and it has taken off.

 

[Aces11]

Ya I like the look of anacharis. I think I have plastic ones in my tank right now. Are they commonly available? How much would 1 or 2 plants cost?

 

[abrahamavelar]

Hornwort is generally just a floater. You can try planting it, but it may end up coming up rooted. I would have to suggest anacharis as the #1 plant for beginners. It is great, not too picky when it comes to needing ferts, and it grows fast. I just pruned mine today and it was 3ft long!

U could plant hornwort but it will grow fast

 

[Aces11]

U could plant hornwort but it will grow fast

Are fast growing plants hard to maintain? I want something that will help keep my nitrates down.

 

[aqua_chem]

I personally don't recommend wisteria as it really needs a nutrient rich substrate to flourish. I tried some in a simple gravel substrate, and it failed. Same tank and lighting, but I had soil substrate and it has taken off.

I disagree. I keep it in a 10g with 10w CFLs and ugly blue gravel, no really additional ferts. Does fine on fish poop and scrubs the nitrates something amazing.

Wisteria is not a real big root feeder. It gets its nutrients from the water column. Nutrient rich substrate shouldn't help it beyond leeching nutrients.

 

[adadkins1]

They are generally a pretty common plant. Expect to pay anywhere from $2-4 for a "bunch". A bunch is about 5 to 10 stems.
Plants for Ponds & Water Gardens: Anacharis Plant This would probably cost about $6 give or take.

 

[adadkins1]

I disagree. I keep it in a 10g with 10w CFLs and ugly blue gravel, no really additional ferts. Does fine on fish poop and scrubs the nitrates something amazing.

Wisteria is not a real big root feeder. It gets its nutrients from the water column. Nutrient rich substrate shouldn't help it beyond leeching nutrients.

Well, I am sorry I have had a different experince. I had a few stems in my bettas 5g lit with a 13W CFL and it did nothing. Just kinda sat there until it died. However, when I went with a dirt substrate it has done much better. It has also excelled in my female betta's tank which is also dirt. In that tank the stuff grows about 1 inch per day.

 

[Aces11]

Would anacharis and wisteria help keep nitrate levels lower? Do they need special ferts?

Or maybe just anacharis since I'm getting mixed reviews about wisteria?

 

[adadkins1]

Yep, they both do wonderfully at absorbing excess nitrates/nutrients. I don't think they need any ferts at all. Sounds like aqua_chem has done fine growing wisteria w/o ferts and I have never fertilized any of my tanks with anacharis.

 

[Aces11]

Thanks for all the help! I'll see if I can find some at the pet store!

 

[adadkins1]

No problem, hope you find some good looking plants. Once you go planted there is not going back.

 

[Aces11]

No problem, hope you find some good looking plants. Once you go planted there is not going back.

I hope so. My younger brother thinks that real plants wouldn't look good, but i think just the opposite. I think the more natural the better.