fishbum

I have a 10gallon that is still cycling and I think I would like to have real plants in it. But I have some questions , and am hoping someone can help.

I'm planning on getting some neon tettras (did i spell that right?) and a male betta for it.

Can you put plants in while it is cycling? What kinds of plants would go good in a 10 gallon,with these fish?Are they hard to keep alive?

I had some live plants before and really didnt like them because my tank got, what I call ,infested with snails. Is there a way to avoid this?
The first time I had them I only had one kind, I dont know what kind they were,and they just didnt look right to me for some reason.I have an aunt who showed me some pictures of her tank, (she lives in another state) ,which is planted,and it was beautiful.
And this time around I want it to look more like a natural pond ,so to speak, rather than just a few plants stuck in the rocks like it did the last time I had them.

So right now I am open to any and all suggestions,If any one has some!

Chief_waterchanger

I like the basic Java fern, Java Moss, Guppy Grass, and Valessnaria. Putting plants in a tank while it is cycling will speed up the cycle, which is a good thing.

How many neon tetras are you planning on having? The larger number in the school of them the safer and more comfortable they feel.

The way to avoid snail infestations is to rinse the plants in tank-temperature water in a sink or some such quite well before you put them in the tank. They also sell chemicals that kill snails and snail eggs that you could dip the plants in, someone else will have to tell you what they are though. I don't use chemicals unless absolutely necessary, and for that reason never have used the snail killer one.

Good luck.

fishgirl

If you get live plants you will have snails...you can pick them out as you find them or what some people do is put the plants in a bucket with water that you have put some copper pipe or wire in for a few days, the cooper will kill the snails and then rinse with condistioned water. Rinse very well. and and place the plats in your tank.

Ask you Aunt What plants she has.

Here is a good web site www.plantgeek.com

Think of what you want it to look like and find plants that look as close to what you want.
Remember if the plant stands up by its self out of the water it may not be a true aquatic plant.

As for when to put the plants in the tank I would wait until the tank is fully cycled.

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Callum The Cat

back up neon tetras and a male betta is not a goood idea the betta will have no fins within the space of a few minutes

Peace Out Callum!

griffin

plantgeek is definately a great website.

however, planted tanks does NOT mean it has to be or will eventually be snail infested. i've had several planted tanks, and never a snail infestation

fishbum

Thanks for the advice to all who answered.I have had neons and a betta in this tank before without any problems.

Also i checked out plantgeek , it was a lot of help also.