Hello,
I am new in this hobby.
Three months ago I purchased a 20 gallon high tank from a local pet store.
My tank looked exactly like this when I bought it.
I am keeping a few swordtails in it.
Last month, I decided that I do not like the look of the plastic plant, and decided to replace it with real plants.
The light is 2x24 watt. 1 blue and 1 white PL light. So I think it should be bright enough.
The problem is I have coral sand substrate. And from what I read, this is not a good substrate for the planted tank.
But I decided to try it anyway. I started with Java Fern and Anacharis 1 month ago. So far they have been doing fine.
Last week, I put in Corkscrew Vallisneria and Ludwigia (not sure which species). Ludwigia is pretty much dead, and vallisneria is struggling, but may pull through.
Now, I am eyeing for the sagittaria subulata, and ludwigia repens. And perhaps hornwort because I heard that this grow fast, even in hard water.
I am also thinking about attaching java moss to that white rock.
Do you think I have a chance to keep these plants alive ?
Is it possible to have a heavily planted tank with coral sand substrate ?
What kind of fertilizer should I use? Do I need root sticks on coral sand , or liquid works better?
Please advice me on this.
I am new in this hobby.
Three months ago I purchased a 20 gallon high tank from a local pet store.
My tank looked exactly like this when I bought it.
I am keeping a few swordtails in it.
Last month, I decided that I do not like the look of the plastic plant, and decided to replace it with real plants.
The light is 2x24 watt. 1 blue and 1 white PL light. So I think it should be bright enough.
The problem is I have coral sand substrate. And from what I read, this is not a good substrate for the planted tank.
But I decided to try it anyway. I started with Java Fern and Anacharis 1 month ago. So far they have been doing fine.
Last week, I put in Corkscrew Vallisneria and Ludwigia (not sure which species). Ludwigia is pretty much dead, and vallisneria is struggling, but may pull through.
Now, I am eyeing for the sagittaria subulata, and ludwigia repens. And perhaps hornwort because I heard that this grow fast, even in hard water.
I am also thinking about attaching java moss to that white rock.
Do you think I have a chance to keep these plants alive ?
Is it possible to have a heavily planted tank with coral sand substrate ?
What kind of fertilizer should I use? Do I need root sticks on coral sand , or liquid works better?
Please advice me on this.
