SkyCrystal

I have a 46 gallon running for a couple of weeks. The cycle isn't finished, but it's pretty close. Before I go crazy with buying fish (Don't worry, 1-3 fish per week), I want to get it planted first. I've checked out plantgeek.net, but I'm still confused. I got the tank used, so I'm not sure what kind of lighting or watts it is. It's about medium lighting (leaning towards the higher side).

Before I go any deeper into my situation, I plan on stocking the tank with these fish (Please no comments on compatibility or what not. I've already cleared all that up. I'm just listing them for plants sake):

6 Cherry Barbs
6 Cories
3 Kuhli Loaches
1 Dwarf Gourami
1 Killfish - Probably Golden Wonder
1 Angelfish
1 Bristlenose Pleco
3 Zebra Danios
3 Leopard Danios

I realize that that's way overstocked according to the 1" per gallon rule. I have it covered and beyond. A total of 125g filter running. I'll make sure to leave enough swimming room.

In my 10g, I have an extremely healthy Anubias Nana. I split it in half (leaving roots on each side), and transferred the smaller side to the 46g. It seems to be doing well, even though the lighting isn't ideal. What other plants would do well with the stocking I've chosen (Cover for Kuhli's, territory, etc.), the lighting I have, and would still provide enough swimming room for all those extra fish.

Thanks in advance!

-SkyCrystal

P.S. I just love Fishlore!

04_si

the Kuhlis I have absolutely love my Amazon Swords. they rest on the leaves, and at the bottom near the substrate, they wiggle in and out of the shoots. they spend all their time in there, or doing the Loachie dance haha.

Amazon Swords dont exactly grow unless you have a little better lighting. I had them with basic lighting in my 35g, it was only 20w and they didnt grow more than about half an inch. since adding a 78w light onto the tank, theyve grown about 3 inches in about 3 weeks

SkyCrystal

Oh, I also want to ask a question not related to the topic. I just don't want to make an entirely new thread.

My sister has a very beatiful young male betta in a tiny little half gallon bowl (I know!). I feel so bad for the little fella... and I want to put him in my 46g, but I know it wouldn't work out with the stock I have planned. Is there any way with a little (or a lot) of alteration in the stocking plan (and maybe a couple of extra plants to break the line of sight) that the Betta could live in my 46 gallon? I don't want to take him back, because they keep the Bettas in twice if not three times smaller bowls.

Thanks for the advice! I don't want really large plants, but I also don't want something really tiny. Well, more of a variety. I'll look the Amazon Sword up on plantgeeks to get some more information. Thanks again!

-SkyCrystal

04_si

the Danios and Barbs will definitely bug a Betta and nip at him all the time

ive never had a betta, so I cant help much. Id suggest just making a new topic in the Betta forum and someone could definitely give you a good idea there.

Butters

I would NOT put that betta in the tank. The gourami and him would probably fight and who knows with the angel. The danios and barbs might pick on him with his tail or he might chase them around like mine did. Your best bet would be to get a 5 gallon tank from Wal-mart, they arnt that bad. I have my betta in a 5 gallon hex tank and he loves it!

As for the plants, I am in no way a aquatic gardner (My plants are melting ) But maybe try some amazon swords, umm... If you want floating plants go for anacharis, This is the only plant that I have been able to keep in good shape so far. but like I said, im not a plant guy at all.

04_si

even a used 5gallon off craigslist.

but I guess a new 5 gallon starter at Walmart is only about $40 so thats probably about the same price!

MissMTS

Java Fern, Anubias, Anacharis, Crypts, Amazon Swords, and Java Moss are all great plants for low light tanks. If you look on the bottom of your light fixture it should tell you the wattage. Ideally, you should try to upgrade to at least 1.5-2 WPG (watts per gallon) if you really want to see your plants thrive. I would suggest also using a comprehensive plant fertilizer such as Seachem's Flourish.

Sorry, but the betta won't work in your tank. I have a betta with Danios and he loves them, but you absolutely cannot put a betta with a dwarf gourami or an angelfish. I know how you feel wanting to save the little guy. My sister has a betta in a 1/4 gallon bowl and I keep wanting to rescue it, but I just don't have the space.

Barbrella

For a medium light, fast growing plant, you should try wisteria. It also sucks up toxins in the water quite well.

A bunch of Java ferns would be nice attached to some driftwood.

Without knowing what kind of light you have it's hard to suggest anything else.

As for the betta, I agree with Butters. You would have to give up the danios, angelfish, gouramis, killifish and probably the cherry barbs.

And filtration is not the only issue with overstocking. Overcrowding can cause aggression between species as well.

Iron waffle

Anubias are a good plant that doesn't require a lot of light. This is probably an odd idea, but if you want the betta, i would suggest buying a plastic tank(as big as you want) and drill some holes so the water can get through, then put it in a corner and anchor it to the side of the aquarium. the betta won't fight with the other fish. It is space consuming,but you wouldn't have to compromise so many fish. OR, divide it.

SkyCrystal

Thanks everyone! Sorry I haven't replied in awhile. I still haven't checked the watts yet. I think an Amazon Sword will do nicely in my tank. I'll be going to the LFS tomorrow to get my water tested. While I'm there, if the tank turns out to be cycled, then I'll get 3 Cories. If it's not, I'll see if I can get a plant or two. An Amazon Sword, and/or a Aponogeton Boivinianus. I'll keep researching and keep you guys updated in my blog!

-SkyCrystal