Javier Alexis
Aquarium Advice Regular
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 53
Good things and bad thing about tank with plants? Or fully planted tanks?
Good things and bad thing about tank with plants? Or fully planted tanks?
When getting started with planted tanks I'd recommend just starting with a low light/low tech approach. This approach can be done with inexpensive light setups (often just a matter of replacing your bulbs with a different type), simple fertilizers, and very generic substrates (gravel, sand, or none at all, for example). In the beginning I'd just google (and check out your LFSs) "low light aquarium plants" and start compiling a list of possible plants you might like to keep, then begin researching these plants online and also on AA's forums (Gen Disc and Planted Tanks sections). You also may want to post a picture of your current lighting system so we can give you a good idea of what you're working with and what you might need to do to upgrade it.
The most important thing to know when you're thinking of going down this path is that you can have a very lush and beautiful planted tank without a ton of work/money, or you can have a lush and beautiful planted tank with very expensive hardware and TONS of work. Both are extremely rewarding and addictive in their own ways.
Just a note: snails are perfectly natural and beneficial in planted tanks as they help eat decaying plant matter. Snail explosions typically arise due to overfeeding so don't fret if you discover a hitchhiker or two when the time comes.
Good luck and keep us posted!