Going planted- NEED ADVICE!

[Fibsog]

Going planted, and here it is. I have incadescent light. I do not want a co2 system, id like low tech. Im going for a look with grass on the ground in places and 3 groves of assorted plants. I am doing this saturday. So. What do i need? I am not using sand but i am using smaller gravel pieces. So i guess i need.....oh, what do i know!? Please help!

 

[Fibsog]

I hope to get the stock down by tomorrow so please answer away!!!

 

[Fibsog]

I hope to get the stock down by tomorrow so please answer away!!!

I will draw a visual plan for reference

 

[Fibsog]

Guys i really need help

 

[twiddlemuffin]

I'm not too sure but I think gravel limits you.

 

[tangs27]

When I had my planted tank I opted not to use any gravel I just used Eco complete. If I wasn't careful during top off and water changes the tank would get cloudy so used a really small cheap pump to refill the tank and it stopped that. I also went with the grass look so I bought guppy grass and it spreads fast. If you want low tech (which is what I did) I bought all low light plants and added fertilizer as directed. It was very low maintenance.

 

[Fibsog]

When I had my planted tank I opted not to use any gravel I just used Eco complete. If I wasn't careful during top off and water changes the tank would get cloudy so used a really small cheap pump to refill the tank and it stopped that. I also went with the grass look so I bought guppy grass and it spreads fast. If you want low tech (which is what I did) I bought all low light plants and added fertilizer as directed. It was very low maintenance.

Yes but guppy grass will overgrow an i may not have time to tend to it. I may use sag or DHG. I am getting the plants tomorrow, so i will ask the people at the lfs

 

[Sk3lly]

DHG needs higher light levels. Light is your limiting factor. The fish shop employees will tell you what you want to hear to make a sale. Dont take their advice seriously

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

What size is the tank? Incandescent light, no co2, and gravel all work against growing a healthy and lush DHG carpet. Don't mean to sound like a downer, but you should either reconsider that plant or make upgrades to address those factors.

 

[wildroseofky]

Dwarf sag will not grow well in gravel and needs high light. If you want a grass like area with no CO2 or high light needed, try moss growing through mesh. Like a moss wall but laying on the substrate. To get a carpet plant you need softer substrate and higher light. Higher light means at least diy CO2 or algae will set in.