want to start a planted tank.

[ndriscoll1322]

Ive never had a planted tank before, I have a 10 gal. Tank just sitting and I was thinking about starting one. Any suggestions?

 

[Sillyfishies]

Ive never had a planted tank before, I have a 10 gal. Tank just sitting and I was thinking about starting one. Any suggestions?

If start with plants like java moss, java fern, anubias, and crypts.

 

[foster53]

Have you done any research on plants? once you find what you want to keep, it would be easier to help you figure out what you need.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

I have done absolutely no research on plants. I wouldn't know where to start lol. I should probably start with some easy plants

 

[Sillyfishies]

I have done absolutely no research on plants. I wouldn't know where to start lol. I should probably start with some easy plants

Which I already posted some!

 

[ndriscoll1322]

I will definitely look those up and see if they sell those around by me

 

[foster53]

Take a look at Aquariumplants.com You can get an idea of some of the plants that are available. They have a section of beginners plants.
Easy plants are probably best until you get some experience. Like mentioned, Javas, Crypts, common swords. If you have decent light, and want to use ferts, the options increase a little.

 

[Rivercats]

Before considering plants you need to think about what substrate you want to use, and most importantly what lighting your going to use since lighting determines what plants you can grow in your tank.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

What is a good substrate. I heard some people use just potting soil

 

[Rivercats]

You don't use plain potting soil for dirting a tank and you really don't want to dirt a tank unless you plan on doing at least medium light. You can use sand or any commercial substrate for planted tanks which IMO would be better for a first planted tank.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

Like I said earlier This is going to be my first planted tank ever. I need all the help I can get lol.

 

[Rivercats]

What is your budget? I'd either go with an Led made for planted tanks or for a cheap option get a couple dome fixtures at the hardware store and use 2 CFL's. Then you'd need to use liquid carbon daily or do DIY CO2 along with good ferts.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

Budget isnt really an issue. Im not trying to go cheap but I dont want to go super expensive. Just a nice set up

 

[Sillyfishies]

Budget isnt really an issue. Im not trying to go cheap but I dont want to go super expensive. Just a nice set up

I'd get pressurized co2 and a finnex ray 2 then.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

What does that cost

 

[Sillyfishies]

What does that cost

What size of tank is it? The ray 2 should be about 100$ or less and the co2 will be about 100$ or a bit more.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

Just a 10 gallon. I have it just laying around and figured I would try plants in it

 

[Fresh2o]

If I were you, I'd check out the articles in thE Stickies at the top of the FW & Brackish - Planted Tank

 

[Fresh2o]

Oops hit send too soon...

The articles contain a lot of helpful information on setting up and maintaining planted tanks.

 

[ndriscoll1322]

Ok thanks