Lighting advice, etc

[CoryFan]

I am helping my son with his first "solo" planted tank. He is six.

He will be using a standard 15 gallon and we have Seachem Fluorite.

He will have a dwarf puffer (MAYBE two), snails, and possibly shrimp.

What recommendations do you have for lighting and anything else?

Thank you!

 

[CoryFan]

He wants a carpet, and a "tree." I am open to trying co2. It will be a first.

 

[DavidAl]

Hi Cory,

I'm assuming you will be using a standard florescent bulb. Start off with the common low light plants, such as: Java ferns, anubias, crypts, Hygrophila difformis. There's no need for a sophisticated CO2 system with the plants; utilizing Seachem Excel will suffice. Provide 8 hours of light per day and adjust accordingly.

Hope this helps,
David

 

[nereksnad]

greetings.

unfortunately a "carpet" requires alot of light and CO2 injection.

here is a previous thread about the subject.

 

[bigbanker]

A good carpet type plant that can be trimmed is dwarf sag

 

[CoryFan]

Hi Cory,

I'm assuming you will be using a standard florescent bulb. Start off with the common low light plants, such as: Java ferns, anubias, crypts, Hygrophila difformis. There's no need for a sophisticated CO2 system with the plants; utilizing Seachem Excel will suffice. Provide 8 hours of light per day and adjust accordingly.

Hope this helps,
David

Thank you. I don't like the way standard light looks. It isn't bright enough. I just wasn't sure what to get for the plants he wants. I do appreciate your help!

 

[CoryFan]

greetings.

unfortunately a "carpet" requires alot of light and CO2 injection.

here is a previous thread about the subject.

That's ok! I will read this. Thank you!

A good carpet type plant that can be trimmed is dwarf sag

Thank you! Would java moss be the best idea for attaching to the top of driftwood to create a "tree?"

 

[nereksnad]

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky' tends to grow out into the water from where it is attached, maybe this can create a "branched tree" effect?

image taken from Tropica.dk

 

[CoryFan]

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky' tends to grow out into the water from where it is attached, maybe this can create a "branched tree" effect?

That's awesome!

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Look up dwarf four leaf clover. It'll grow fine under even very low lights and carpet slowly. It doesn't need co2 or bright lights. Beautiful plant.

 

[CoryFan]

Look up dwarf four leaf clover. It'll grow fine under even very low lights and carpet slowly. It doesn't need co2 or bright lights. Beautiful plant.

Thank you. I like it.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

You're so welcome! (^_^)

 

[Philly33]

The puffer will eat the snails and shrimp.

 

[CoryFan]

The puffer will eat the snails and shrimp.

I need a snail eater, so that works out very well & was part of my plan.

I was hoping they would only eat shrimp fry. Maybe I won't bother with shrimp then.