Muffymouse

Ok, I'm considering planting my tank with live stuff however when it comes to this area, I'm more than a total noob. On top of which I have very black thumbs when it comes to plants. (although most of my last failures with plants have been lack of water, i don't expect that should be a problem in this case )

So this is what I have: I bought a brand new 10 gallon kit from walmart for $29. It came with tank, hood, HOB filter, heater, and two 10W incandescent bulbs.

I have traded one of the bulbs out for a compact florescent one.

For substrate I currently have some very nice blue and teal gravel

In this tank are 3 cory cats

My questions are:

1. what kinds of plants would be fairly easy to take care of (noting that I don't really care for the look of java moss)

2. what changes if any should I make to this tank? i.e lighting, substrate, etc.

3. answers to any questions you should l have asked before you planted your tank, but didn't know to

Muffymouse

Some thoughts, any thoughts?? please

King_Snuggles

Java fern is very easy and good looking

Muffymouse

would java fern like living in sand? what kind of lighting should it have? how long should it be soaking in light?

joy613

Java fern is usually tied on to a rock or driftwood. You might like anubia another lower light plant that is easy to grow tied on a rock or driftwood. Hornwort is a pretty floating plant that doesn't require any special care either. I usually leave my lights on about 9 to 12 hours a day.

Barbrella

I have a tank the same as yours, only I replaced both bulbs with compact flourescents.

I can tell you the plants I have that do best in there:

Elodea
Cryptocornes
Rotala
Java fern "Windelov" (tied to driftwood)
Water sprite

My substrate is Flourite, and I fertilize once in awhile with Excel.

I also have a tiny bristlenose in there who keeps everything totally algae free!

Here's a pic. This tank was set up in Jan.

Attached Images

april 14 tank2.jpg (96.5 KB, 12 views)

King_Snuggles

I hope it likes living in sand cuz that what im going to put it in. I have it in plain gravel and its doing great. your lights are fine for it. 10-12 hours of light i have mine on a timer for 11 hours a day.

rileyrk190

i have java fern, and it does quite well in the sand. The problem i have is that it grows on itself which leaves holes in the leaves. I guess its not a problem--just not aesthetically pleasing..