Hello! I just got a new 30 G

[KristaButler]

Woohoo!!!!! I want to put plants in my new 30 gallon. My very first question is, Do they need sand? Or can they be planting in rock?

Also which plants do you suggest to start with? Low light.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Brookster123]

I'd reccomend a pool filter sand substrate with some crypts and swords to start, use root tabs as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[BBradbury]

Your Tank

Woohoo!!!!! I want to put plants in my new 30 gallon. My very first question is, Do they need sand? Or can they be planting in rock?

Also which plants do you suggest to start with? Low light.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

Hello Kris...

Smart tank choice. Most would start with something like a 5 or 10 gallon. Too small for a starter. I started with a 30 and it worked great for a beginner.

Start with the dark green aquatic plants. They're easy to grow and don't require high end lighting. If you can get a light strip that holds two bulbs, that would be fine. Florescent lighting is inexpensive and fine for plants. Species of Anubias, like nana or nangi are good. Java fern, mosses like Singapore or Christmas and Cryptocoryne are all nice bottom plants.

Floating plants will help keep the tank water clean. Hornwort is a favorite of mine. Anacharis and Pennywort are nice too.

I would avoid sand. It tends to compact in areas and cause water problems. I use pea-sized polished gravel. It's easy to clean and easy to put plants into it. Your choice.

Have fun and remember to change the tank water frequently.

B

 

[Brookster123]

Pfs does not compact all that bad, pea gravel is not ideal for planted tanks B, a planted tank does usually contain rooted plants, not all floaters, anubias and java, roots will wander up and out of the gravel. It also limits root tab usage. Again, these generic responses for "your" style planted tank is not always what people want. In fact most people want a variety of plants of all shapes and sizes and colors.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[KristaButler]

Oh I started with a 10 gallon. However I knew it was going to be too small. It wouldn't even house 1 angel. Either way, I'm so use to looking at a 10 gallon it's going to take some getting use to this 30 gallon. I just got done reading on plants. It sounds a little daunting. I was hoping to just stick some plants down into the rock. Apparently it's not that simple. Lol I did just buy a canister filter. Excited about that. I've never had one.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[BBradbury]

Planted Tanks

Pfs does not compact all that bad, pea gravel is not ideal for planted tanks B, a planted tank does usually contain rooted plants, not all floaters, anubias and java, roots will wander up and out of the gravel. It also limits root tab usage. Again, these generic responses for "your" style planted tank is not always what people want. In fact most people want a variety of plants of all shapes and sizes and colors.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

Hello Brook...

Just answering the poster's request for information. Pea-sized gravel has worked well for my plants, including the planted kind like Cryptocoryne. Didn't suggest anything I wasn't familiar with, though. Rather thought I recommended a nice range of easy to grow plants that would get the poster started.

Sorry, I didn't expect to have to justify my answer.

B

 

[KristaButler]

I appreciate all your answers!! I need as much info as possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[KristaButler]

Bradbury- so do u have a substrate below the pea size gravel or just gravel. I would love a go at a few plants that would survive just gravel. If that exists? I don't want to have to empty my tank. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[emilygupps]

I used gravel in my first tank (29 tall) and what I ended up needing was co2. It made all the difference. But a lot of plants, in my limited experience, liked the gravel, crypts and ferns. I had several Anubis on suction cups and one even attached it's self to the glass. But with suction cups you risk choking the plant. I recommend tying the Anubis to a smallish rock with a zip tie and sticking it on or near drift wood. Eventually the Anubis will attach it's self to the driftwood and you can cut the zip tie and remove the rock after a couple months and the Anubis will stay put and not be choked.

We chose sand in three subsequent tanks after that in we had a hard time learning how to care for the sand. Vacuuming it can be a challenge you have to stir it up really well before a water change to get the fish poop out and we had trouble with this neon green algae growing on it. Over all once you get the hang of sand it's pretty nice, we have baby tears and hair grass that is carpeting nicely. And lots of fish enjoy sand.

My advice is this: be prepared to fall into the hole that is the planted tank obsession. Once you see the difference nice lights and co2 make you'll never want to mess with "low tech" again,


Sent from my iPhone

 

[mrgazza]

Sand is fine for a substrate, I love it! Don't just cap the sand with gravel though, it will become anaerobic and rot the roots if not vacuumed well and cause no end of issues for you when it mixes together with the sand. I find that if you pinch the hose on the siphon it will slow down the flow and give you chance to keep up and stop being so easy to suck the sand out!


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SNorlin]

Pea sized worked well for me as well, it is easier to plant when the water is lower then gradually add more water. I find my plants are very secure now after 6 months and gave actually wrapped themselves around the gravel. I also put chunks of plant fertilizer underneath my plants every 3 months and gave never had a problem with it coming up or moving. I just make sure to plant in deep gravel at the back half of my tank and push the fertilizer alway to the bottom ( about 2-3 inches deep at back of tank, sloping to 1 inch at front). I am thinking of putting some fluval substrate in the bottom, but have heard it will cloud up the water. I would suggest you really research the plants you are interested in, the fish you will eventually get and see what makes sense for your dream setup. Good luck and have tonnes of fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SNorlin]

You can also use water proof gel super glue to stick plants to rock or wood until they attach themselves, very very little needed ( look it up for more info). See picture below:


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SNorlin]

Be very careful about what glue you choose as it could poison your fish if you have the wrong one. I used this:
And it has worked beautifully and there have been no side effects at all ( tested my water and watched my fish very closely for a couple of weeks after).


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SNorlin]

Here are some better pictures:


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SNorlin]

Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[KristaButler]

Awesome you guys!!! I really appreciate all your comments. The sand thing, sounds like a complete disaster waiting to happen, for me. Although I find it beautiful!!! I may try it some day. I really love that natural look, it's just so beautiful. I am sure the fish are happier too.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Brookster123]

Awesome you guys!!! I really appreciate all your comments. The sand thing, sounds like a complete disaster waiting to happen, for me. Although I find it beautiful!!! I may try it some day. I really love that natural look, it's just so beautiful. I am sure the fish are happier too.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

In 3 months when you're wanting to do a real planted tank hit me up; )

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app