FL CommunityFans

From the reading I've done, it looks like a lot of plants don't do well in a gravel substrate, is this true? Both aquariums are low light atm, so I understand that anything java is probably the way to go (moss, fern, etc.) Are there any other recommendations?

Shawnie

hehe im waiting for answers on this fl ~!! id love to put a few in mine

Butterfly

Check here
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_...=1&filter_by=2
Carol

FL CommunityFans

thanks ya for that... I've been there and made a little list already. These were what I had come up with:

I just had trouble finding more info on how they do with substrate with gravel and such. I understand they do ok in low light, but does it matter how many you put in?

Gozer_1

I really like my Red Wendtii Crypts. They are doing great at the bottom of a tall tank with fairly low light. Don't know how they'd do in inert gravel but you can work around that with plant tabs if need be. Fish stock will help too. Water Sprite will do well in regular gravel and low light though, I've found mine to be an algae collector. My Otos just don't seem to want to eat off it. The Crypts I highly recommend. Keep in mind that Anubias are slow growers and so also collect algae. My A. caladifolia has rough leaves that are difficult to clean algae off of.

The Plantgeek Guide will take you far into the realm of aquatic plants. Check out this design tool also. It will do alot for you as well. http://www.gorillot.com/aquatools/ph...x.php?select=7 I used it A LOT when I set up my planted tank.

miker

That is a nice tool Gozer!

Gozer_1

Yeah, it's great. I got it from a post here by Isabella. I've been eternally appreciative since lol.

Butterfly

FL CommunityFans I have Anubias and Crypts in gravel and sand. The Crypts do well in both substrates though you may have to use plant tabs under them in the sand as the fish poo doesn't sink down into it like it does in gravel.
I have Anubias in both substrates also but I don't have to use plant tabs in the gravel for either plants. Since Anubias doesn't usually take well to being buried I weight mine down with a rock and they will grow roots down into the gravel and sand to anchor themselves. So I think they get a lot of their nutrients from the water.
Anubias can be attached to rooks or wood, Java Fern and Java Moss need to be attached to wood or rocks and are not really particular about water conditions. One note of caution The Java Moss will go everywhere if your not careful, so when you trim it catch every stray tiny piece of moss
Another low light plant I don't see used much and is super easy is bolbitis Heudelotti. http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=40 I have used this plant for years and love it. although the profile says it does better with CO2 I have never used it and the plant still did really well. It also has to be attached to rocks or wood.
Carol

FL CommunityFans

Wonderful ty for the plant info. Our LFS has african fern so it'd be easily found if I end up going that route. Thanks much for the info again.

Gozer_1

Thats brilliant Butterfly. I can never get my Anubias to stay put. It gets pulled up way to easily. I am totally going to see if I can't hook a branch of the drift on it and hold it down a bit. Thanks. lol