Hey all

[Purrbox]

If you're interested in live plants, then check out the Plant Forum. At the top is a Sticky with lots of great links to information on keeping a planted aquarium. Once you've read up on the information feel free to ask questions on anything that still isn't making sense.

Substrate is anything covering the bottom of the aquarium (gravel, sand, specialy plant substrate, etc), so a sand substrate just means you woul replace your gravel with sand. Pool Filter Sand is a great option for this.

[pitt420dude]

You could paint the back or get a wallpaper to make the tank look more acquatic and..um...make it sort of look like it's own little isolated ecosystem instead of a fishtank surrounded by a room.

Know what I'm gettin at?

Also you could probably add some anubias or java ro somethign lowlight to get some live plants in there. They're not too much hassle and can grow in practically anything.

BTW, the stickies at the top of the planted tank forum are soooooo good.

[BiggDaddy]

little update here it is with the black background !!!!

[Purrbox]

That black background really does make the scape pop more. Great choice.

[mom2reds]

Looks good with the black background. Good choice

[BiggDaddy]

thank you, so next i will be moving into live plants.....

[happygirl65]

Originally Posted by BiggDaddy

thank you, so next i will be moving into live plants.....

OK, get ready! Going planted is a wild and wonderful ride!

LOADS of information in the stickies.

I would (if I were you) put the rock to the left about 6 inches and pack plants behind it until you can barely see the background. You will want LOTS of stems to start with. As the stickies mention this will prevent algae.

You can get them cheap in the barter/trade section here.

I might even have some low light plants for you like crypt and java ferns if you are interested PM me.

[BiggDaddy]

ok so i just moved to rock over and put the plants behind it. You tell me what you think. still looking for suggestions on this. wont be doing the live plants until the summer cause i am moving next month and just dont want to start that project now.. Should i get more fake plants?? anyway thanks for the advice so far!!!

[happygirl65]

I think you will be fine with what you have so far. The background helped a LOT and I am sure that having the rock not so centered it will look fantastic. I didn't see an updated pic but I am sure it is looking great.
Best wishes to you!

[BiggDaddy]

a couple of my tetras seem to have developed little patches on either the dorsal of the tail fin. it looks like a little piece of cotton ??? any ideas on what it is and how to treat it??