How to start

[Kerrinne]

I am ready to change out my plastic plants in my 10 gal and my 5 gal tanks to real plants. I am running 40 watts (15 watt & 25 watt bulbs) in my 10 gal, and a 25 watter in my 5 gal. So I will need plants that like lots of light, I suppose.

What else other than the plants do I need to do/get? How will I change my fish only tank to a planted fish tank? Will I need to get other kinds of filters than my HOB filters? Will I need to mix in a new substrate other than my gravel?

What types of plants should I get? I have 2 tetras, 3 giant danios, and a golden AE in my 10 gal. I have a male betta (and getting an invertebrae of some kind I think) for my 5 gal. My temps stay between 78-80 in the betta tank, and 76-78 in the 10 gal.

With both of these tanks now cycled and stable, I'm very ready to begin my journey into planted tanks. I do very well with plants in general...so hopefully, I will be ok with aquarium plants too. hehe

TIA

~Heather

 

[Guest]

Start by reading my FAQ.

Your current setups will be fine. No need to change anything at this time. You can grow most any plants you want but I will tell you that most stem plants are going to grow much too fast for either tank.