How hard is it to start a planted tank???

[adammorrill]

i have a 36 gallon bow front starter kit from aqueon. I also have red and black gravel and just he lights from the kit. i want to change this tank into a planted one but i am wondering how hard it would be. would i need to by new substrate, lights, anything special for the plants? i just really want to know because i have never had live plants in an aquarium but always wanted to and now that i have a bigger tank i want to maybe try it, thanks

 

[TankMan]

Some plants you don't need any particular special lights. Such as java fern and java moss. Many others too! But I'm nø expert.

 

[TankMan]

Red ludwigia and water wisteria (don't know if I spelt that last one right) are also okay with a standard light. For the substrate I'm not sure of pea gravel. But I do not see a problem. As I said, let's wait for the pros to chime in....

 

[adammorrill]

alright thanks for the info

 

[jetajockey]

What are the specs of the lights you have on the tank? You may be able to get by without changing much of anything.

 

[adammorrill]

this is the tank i have and i didnt upgrade anything im just using what it came with Aqueon 36 Gallon Deluxe Bow Front Aquarium Kit - Aquariums - Fish - PetSmart

 

[jetajockey]

looks like that is a t8 fixture, does it have 1 or 2 bulbs? Are they long single bulbs? It does say full spectrum which is a plus, I'd try out anacharis, hornwort, or any of those plants listed by the previous poster. Just get a few to begin with and see how they do. You don't need any special substrate or ferts to begin with, but they are a good idea if you plan to get more serious into planted tanks (along with a lighting upgrade later on).

 

[adammorrill]

yah there are 2 long single bulbs and i saw some dwarf hair grass that looks cool, would that work out?

 

[jetajockey]

No, dwarf hair grass typically needs a more intense light.

 

[adammorrill]

awww ok i guess i wont be gettting those then

 

[BlackMagic]

this is all you need
Seachem Flourish Comprehensive Supplement for the Planted Aquarium - Plant Care - Fish - PetSmart
and the light you have. *change the bulb to a daylight bulb* get it from walmart-lowes.

if u run root plant get some root tab.

this set up if for low light plant---

 

[BlackMagic]

when first add plant to the tank, the plant will shock and melt but dont worry it will heal in a couple days and grow... the new leaf r the one you want to worry about.