Plant temps

[Trout11B]

I am thinking of doing a small planted tank that is currently housing some goldfish. I've heard mixed things about goldfish tearing up plants, but my main question here is: are there plants that grow well in temps that are in the goldfish's "appropriate" temp. I've heard 78 is the max. I have a 5 gallon that has a 10 watt cf. I'm not sure about the color, but I got it at walmart so I think it's a 6500 because other people have described this bulb. I've never done a planted tank before and though I've heard bigger is easier, I'd like a small planted tank.

 

[fort384]

Any temp your fish survive in will be fine for plants.

 

[Trout11B]

And with my lightning I can have just low light plants correct?

 

[fort384]

Yes... I think even low lights might be tough with 10W of CF. You might have some luck with java moss, java fern... some crypts... maybe anubias.

 

[BigJim]

Goldfish in a 5g is a bad idea. Fancy goldfish need 30g for the first fish and an additional 10g for each additional fish. A 5g is suitable for a betta or a few fish of a really small species. That's about it.

 

[Trout11B]

Ok, I'm still in the planning stages of this so plenty of time, it's a 15 watt outlet, would I be ok if I found a 20 watt cf bulb?

 

[fort384]

15W I would think.

Good catch on the goldfish Jim. I glossed right over that part. Goldfish are not a good idea at all for a 5 gal tank.

 

[Trout11B]

There being upgraded soon. I just don't have the room to set up a larger tank at the moment. So for now, I'd like to plant it.