Best way to start a plant only tank

[Finn]

Hey all

Seeking some advise what is required to start a plant tank.

We currently have cichlids and plants dont last too long in those tanks unless well established either in a pot or on driftwood.

So have some spare tanks that I can use so want to know:

1. What is the best type to grow?

2. Lighting?

3. Filter, air pump?

4. Tank size - is 1ft or 2ft ok?

Thanks in advance

Ange

[kevinicus]

Hey all

Seeking some advise what is required to start a plant tank.

We currently have cichlids and plants dont last too long in those tanks unless well established either in a pot or on driftwood.

So have some spare tanks that I can use so want to know:

1. What is the best type to grow?

2. Lighting?

3. Filter, air pump?

4. Tank size - is 1ft or 2ft ok?

Thanks in advance

Ange

plant choices are a personal preference, why dont you have a look at a few plant species available. see what you like and then provide the correct conditions for those plants.

Kevin

[charmer]

good lighting

good substrate

and fertilizers

[Symphy]

Hi Ange,

Below I'm quoting on your last '?'(larger/deeper tanks differ slightly) is as follows;

1. What is the best type to grow?

Depends what you like, although I think you might mean hardy, this I have found as a trial & error. Why? If you aren't running CO2 it has its effects, if no fertilizer under gravel(such as aqua-clay,eco-complete etc...) for added minerals it can be even worse as plants will more then likely diminish. Some I find not too bad are, Horsetail Rush, Iris, Blue/Hair Grass, Anubias 'bateri' Nana, Varigated Rush & Arrow Head is a fav.

2. Lighting?

Very important - T-5 or any unit that houses Double Bulb lighting, flouresent are best.

3. Filter, air pump?

Small internal power head that has an eye hole for CO2 injection,CO2 diffuser, small canister will be enough. No air pump required.

4. Tank size - is 1ft or 2ft ok?

2ft is possible, planning.

Extra ?'s;

5. Heating? Undergravel is best as plants will do well although a good fully sub heater should do for most plants req.

6. PH? Range between 6-7.2 is good.

Overall you can make this work although its a balance which you would be working on. Balancing the, light, filteration, substrate & plants(& plant needs). Too much light & no CO2 will have bad effects, not enough light will have effects. If you plan not to use CO2 I would go a single T5 bulb & work from their.

Regards

Ahmed

[Finn]

thanks for all the responses and advise

once the tank room is set up will get my self started on the plant tank