Boyfriends First Aquarium

HEY ALL

After months and months persuasion I have finally got my boyfriend to realise that he does need a little fish friend in his life! So a couple weeks ago we stumbled upon the 19 litre Fluval ChI aquarium and he loved it - it's quiet, a decent yet unique size, suitable filter, one plug! He debated whether or not to get it because of several reasons, however he brought it anyway. It isn't refundable so he is stuck with it. Before we started looking around at aquariums we sorted out the stocking and decided on a male Betta with some shrimp, so after purchasing it we filled it up and we are starting the cycle.

My question here is what can we put in it plant wise? He wants the base to be loaded with plants and the top 1/3 to be open. He is a beginner so nothing too hard please.

Also I have a few questions about this aquarium. The lights is rubbish, as in it will work for a while and then if you switch it off it will not turn back on. We looked on YouTube for solutions because we couldn't take it back and people said that using magnets help, and it does but what can we do long term?

THANKS

 

Java Fern, Anubia, Java Moss, etc

 

I know nothing about the lights, but some crypts, ferns(lowlight), moss(lowlight), or marmio would look nice. I also personally like the look of dwarf lillies, although that’d would cover the top.

 

anubias, java fern, java moss, bucephalandra, african water fern, marimo moss ball, frogbit are some good low light and easy to care for plants.
as for the lights I'm not sure about what you can do long term other then try looking for a replacement if your able to, hopefully someone else will know how to help

 

I know nothing about the lights, but some crypts, ferns(lowlight), moss(lowlight), or marmio would look nice. I also personally like the look of dwarf lillies, although that’d would cover the top.

If you Google the aquarium you can see that those dwarf lilies could work, the light is practically underwater.

anubias, java fern, java moss, bucephalandra, african water fern, marimo moss ball, frogbit are some good low light and easy to care for plants.
as for the lights I'm not sure about what you can do long term other then try looking for a replacement if your able to, hopefully someone else will know how to help

Thank you and true true