Dummy's guide to Aquarium plants?

[EmptyH]

I have a 55 Gal tank with standard lighting (whatever came with the hood). Currently I have a couple of fake plants and some decorations. After seeing all of the amazing pictures from everybody here I want to try my hand at growing live plants, but I am not sure where to start.

I would like to have some tall plants on the far left and far right of the tank and some ground cover and some small plants in the middle.

What kind of plants should I be looking into?
Should I get a different lighting fixture?
Do I need CO2?
Should I only buy one or two plants at a time? (like if I put too many fish in at one time it will mess up the chemistry)

Are there any good articles that would be good for a plant novice?

Thanks,

MTH

[azn_fishy55]

IMO I would get a better lighting fixture maybe a coralife cp fixture,but then thats just me
:P.Because usually the lighting that comes with the tank usually only hit 1 or under 1 wpg.If you de get the cp fixture it would be nessesary to get CO2 injected in the tank either DIY or pressurized.I like buying all my plants at one time but if you can't it will be fine to buy plants one or two plants at a time.

[Jchillin]

You can begin by reading the sticky's at the beginning of this forum. There is a wealth of info on lighting, substrates, do's and don'ts and other helpful tips.

[bman]

If you are just going to "try your hand" at plants, you could possibly get away without the CO2 injection. You will need to dose fertilizers in the water, and Excel if you choose to not CO2 inject. Whether or not you need a new light; I would try it with your current fixture, just make sure you get plants with a low light capability, and see how things go. The worst would be the plants die, but that will take time, and you will learn a lot in the process.

I agree with jchillin, read the stickies. They do offer great information.

Definitely, start slow when you are adding plants to an established tank. They will affect it slightly.

Good luck, I did the same thing as you, converting from the plastic jungle to real plants. IT's fun, and really challenging.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Since I always recommend at least DIY Co2 then going with 2 x Compact fluorescents could work, but I think you'll find algae to be too unmanagable, this will throw you into high light.. 2 x 2' dual T8's might work a bit better for you (not the cheapest place, but I felt like linking there :P), putting you between low and moderate lighting, Co2 will still benefit you and if you decide live plants aren't your thing, you will just have a brighter tank

There is a lot of information available, Decent plants for the 2 x 2' dual T8's (30w each fixture) would be anubias, Ludwiga Repens, Crypts (Most) and many more. http://www.tropica.com has an excellent list of plants that are commonly available and what their light and care requirements are.

Good luck with them, they are almost as much fun as the fish.

[fish_4_all]

I am about in the same position as you. I tried plants and my tank didn't have enough light to help them grow so algae took over.

My best advice, go out and get some better light. Try for 2.5-3 watts per gallon. I am going with a double 40 watt 48 inch flourescent over 2 10 gallon tanks. You have a 55 so you are going to want at least 130 watts over the tank. I personally went with the GE aquarium/plant bulb and the GE daylight 40. They both meet some of the suggested requirements from some and some others from others. Use DIY CO2 for best results and get a good test kit and good fertilizer.

Most of all remember, there is no plants for dummies book or method out there, you have to be patient enough to make things work for you. I will let you know if the lighting setup I am using now works and maybe you can use it or a similar one. I have only had it for 2 days, so watch for my posts and watch others one their success. The stickies will help.

[EmptyH]

Thanks for all of the advice and information. You guys have definitely given me a good place to start. I am sure I will have many more questions in the future.

I plan on going to the lfs and do some price checks on lighting and CO2 setups, and I agree Ozz this could be almost as fun as the fish.

Thanks,

MTH

[rollin_22]

yea read the stickies...... they are alot of help

[Steve Hampton]

This is not information for Dummies, but it was written by one if that counts. LOL! I tried to keep the information basic and offer info that new people need such as planting instructions.

http://www.aquariaplants.com/index.htm

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

That is a very good site you have there, and a very informative one too.