I had that “Must-start-a-new-tank” itch, since my dream reef tank is at least a year from being setup; I decided to go with a small 5 gallon planted tank for my bedroom. I picked up a Fluval Spec 5 yesterday and I plan to begin the setup later tonight. I chose this tank because it has 7500°K high luminosity LEDs, and I figured that that would be enough to grow most plants. I also ordered a 25w Fluval heater and a piece of Mopani wood; they should be here in a few days. I am going to go to the LPS later and pick up some eco-complete and some plants.
I am going for a low-tech set up. I have been researching planted tanks for the past few weeks and the whole CO2 thing just makes my head spin. It does not bother me if the plants grow more slowly, I might even prefer it, since that means less trimming and pruning.
I will be filling the tank with water from my 29-gallon non-planted community tank. I also will temporarily add some rocks and fake plants from that tank as a source of bacteria. There is one lonely moss ball from the 29 that I will be placing in the 5 gal. It is not doing too well at all since the 29 gal basically doesn’t have a light.
Firstly, I would like to know what plants would be good to place in the tank, especially for a beginner. I have been trying to familiarize myself with aquarium plants but I am not keeping up very well. I will be purchasing from a large chain pet store and I know that they are notoriously clueless about anything fish related. I want to know exactly what I am looking for while I am there because I will not be asking for any advice (I learned that lesson already). I read from another thread that the following are suitable low-light plants:
Java Fern
Java Moss
Anacharis
Watersprite
Wisteria
Are there any other suggestions for this type of tank?
Also, this tank will be for a Betta, but I would like some thoughts on suitable tank mates. I was thinking ghost shrimp, zebra snail, or dwarf frogs. Any advice?
And lastly (for now), I am a bit confused on the lights, so any advice on the type of lights included with this kit would be much appreciated. What can I grow? Should I be looking into adding CO2 down the line? Can I expect algae problems?
Thx!
I am going for a low-tech set up. I have been researching planted tanks for the past few weeks and the whole CO2 thing just makes my head spin. It does not bother me if the plants grow more slowly, I might even prefer it, since that means less trimming and pruning.
I will be filling the tank with water from my 29-gallon non-planted community tank. I also will temporarily add some rocks and fake plants from that tank as a source of bacteria. There is one lonely moss ball from the 29 that I will be placing in the 5 gal. It is not doing too well at all since the 29 gal basically doesn’t have a light.
Firstly, I would like to know what plants would be good to place in the tank, especially for a beginner. I have been trying to familiarize myself with aquarium plants but I am not keeping up very well. I will be purchasing from a large chain pet store and I know that they are notoriously clueless about anything fish related. I want to know exactly what I am looking for while I am there because I will not be asking for any advice (I learned that lesson already). I read from another thread that the following are suitable low-light plants:
Java Fern
Java Moss
Anacharis
Watersprite
Wisteria
Are there any other suggestions for this type of tank?
Also, this tank will be for a Betta, but I would like some thoughts on suitable tank mates. I was thinking ghost shrimp, zebra snail, or dwarf frogs. Any advice?
And lastly (for now), I am a bit confused on the lights, so any advice on the type of lights included with this kit would be much appreciated. What can I grow? Should I be looking into adding CO2 down the line? Can I expect algae problems?
Thx!