KonaBoy

I just got a 10 gallon with a lighted hood, and was thinking about putting some plants in. The hood has room for 2 bulbs (25 watts max on each side), so I'm assuming that means I have 50 watts in a 10 gallon? I have just plain-jane gravel for a substrate, and I'm looking for some low light, low maintenance plants. Any suggestions besides Java Moss? Thanks,

Cory

EDIT: The fish will be a betta, maybe 2 or 3 Cory's

joy613

I have a 10 gallon I use those compact fluorescent bulbs in. The cheap walmart ones that look like a curly pig tail, they are 13 watt. I find they are cheaper to use, and cooler, don't get the soft white ones just the regular ones. I can grow najas, small swords like chain sword, sagittaria, watersprite, java fern, pearl weed and hornwort. I have others in there I am not for sure what they are but they seem to be doing well too. You can use root tabs for fertilizer if you need to. I use sand (cheap play sand) as a substrate or fluorite. If you use sand there is a few tips you might need like anaerobic pockets you will have to push something down into the sand to release the gases (hydrogen sulfide I think is what it is) that build up. Also when you change water use a plastic lid to make the water diffuse so you aren't stirring it up to get in the gills of the fish. I use it on the tanks with fluorite or gravel as well so I don't disturb the plants.

KonaBoy

Ok, I will get those lights (need new ones anyway). Is there any plants I can grow using just gravel as a substrate? Thanks,

Cory

Barbrella

I also have about 25 watts on my 10 gallon tank it that works great.

Your plants will grow in plain gravel. But it must be deep enough - at least 1 1/2 to 3" deep for good root growth.

I use Flourish Excel to fertilize.

KonaBoy

What kinds of plants do you have Barbrella?

Barbrella

I have Elodea, cryptocornes, pennywort, wisteria, water sprite, Alternanthera (which is not doing so well), Java fern, a sword plant and anubias.

The elodea and cryptocornes are doing exceptionally well!

If you're planning to have corys, keep your smooth gravel substrate, as the Flourite has too many jagged edges for them, IMO.