Tips to go from fake plants to real?

[eco23]

Hi everyone!

After my diatom outbreak runs it's course, I want to slowly transition from fake plants to real. I'm looking for suggestions on types of plants, as well as learning the requirements of keeping them healthy (fertilizer, light requirements). I also don't know if certain fish will destroy them and make a mess. Currently, the only real plants (not really plants, but...) I have in there are Java Moss and a Morimo ball. Hopefully you guys can recommend some low maintenance plants, good for beginners.

Here's my tank info-
48 gallon bow front freshwater
Stocked with Neons, Red Eye Tetras, Danios and Otos
pH 7.6. Fully cycled with ~5ppm nitrAtes
Lighting is 2 T-5 bulbs. 1 actinic, 1 Ultra Sun
Normal aquarium gravel substrate

Thanks guys!

 

[Amicus]

I am doing the same thing. I have a good book title for you if you would like.

 

[Amicus]

I'm also going to TRY to get some ideas from Takashi Amano.

 

[eco23]

Thanks...I'm gonna try and get some free AA advice before I look to Amazon. I really just want to start with basic stuff. Kind of like how a kid starts with a goldfish and works his way up to discus. I just refuse to clean all these diatoms when they die off, so instead of replacing everything, I figured I'd convert to real plants.

 

[maxwellag]

First, I would just go for it. Get a hardy plant like anarchis. You dont have to keep it in there forever. Just so u can practice. I have frill in my 0 gallon and I have never had to do anything to it other than rebury the roots in gravel a few times. I set my light timer so it has lights on for like all day, then at night it is in 30 min intervals. They grow fine. U could do frill too. I recommend it.