How to switch from plastic to live plants

[Hummingguppy]

Hello, I already have an established tank with fish, and plastic plants. I have been reading about how live plants improve water quality, and I want to slowly switch, one plant at a time. I now have gravel substrate, medium lighting, and my tank is tropical. How do I change my plants? Any tips on planted tanks, or recommended plants? Thank you!

 

[Smcoyle87]

First, tell us what kind of lighting you have..bulb, intensity etc..
The gravel you're using..what kind is it?
Last..what size is your tank and what kind of fish do you have?

 

[Goldfish loach boy]

I found that anacharis was a very hardy plant, my first plant switch, just put them on the gravel and you are set! They don't need root tabs, ferts,co2, nothing very good plant grows very fast

 

[Jev12]

My first go with a live plant was a small java fern windelov and it was in a little critter carrier with my betta not very much light or anything and i had gravel as my substrate and now all of my plants in my six gallon except the java fern the stem of cambomba and a couple plantlets of regular java fern came from that one plant...there are pics in my profile

 

[Hummingguppy]

I have a ten gallon tank, the gravel is large, smooth, and is like river rock. I have two bulbs and I think they are 10 or 15 watts each. I will have five guppies and three platies.

 

[Fresh2o]

I have a ten gallon tank, the gravel is large, smooth, and is like river rock. I have two bulbs and I think they are 10 or 15 watts each. I will have five guppies and three platies.

You could try13w compact fluorescent bulbs. Be sure to get the 6500k type; good for plant growth. I would go with a finer grade of gravel, sand, or a plant specific substrate such as EcoComplete, flora max, etc.