Plants for snail/shrimp tank

Ok so in the future, I will be starting a 40 gallon shrimp and mystery snail tank! I’ve never had live plants (besides a marimo moss ball) so this is all new to me. I will probably have the substrate below. Let me know if there are any better options but I want a substrate that isn’t active and I won’t have to change out and this was the best option I could find. Next, on to the plants! What are some (maybe about 3-6 options) super easy low tech plants that can all go together (have the same requirements)? I won’t have a co 2 system. Preferably some that are in different places in the tank (so the shrimp and snails have lots of hiding space). Whatever plants you tell me, what’s some good lighting for them? If possible, not super expensive and maybe on Amazon. Also, for whichever plants are listed, what’s a good fertilizer for them? I’m not sure if root tabs or liquid or both will be better for whatever plants I choose. I’m so sorry that this was so long so thank you in advance for whoever takes the time to help me on this tank! I really want this to work!

 

1. I'm not familiar with that sand, but I'm sure it will be fine. It will get expensive in a 40 gallon tank. Pool filter sand is a good option if you're interested in something less expensive. Black Diamond sand blasting sand is another one if you want a black substrate. It will require a lot of rinsing, and some people have reported finding undesirable debris in it, but I have it in one of my shrimp tanks and haven't had any issues.
2. Java moss, pearl weed, and guppy grass are all classic plants that will provide a lot of hiding places and grazing surfaces for shrimp. Stem plants are another good option to add some height. You might find something you like at Buy, Sell, Trade, Free Forum. Plants offered for sale by members here will generally be considerably less expensive than from the store or commercial online retailers.
3. Those plants I listed above aren't particular about light, so any decent LED aquarium light made for plants should be fine. AquaNeat and BeamsWork are two decent options that won't cost a lot of money.
4. A good liquid fertilizer is all they really need.

 

1. I'm not familiar with that sand, but I'm sure it will be fine. It will get expensive in a 40 gallon tank. Pool filter sand is a good option if you're interested in something less expensive. Black Diamond sand blasting sand is another one if you want a black substrate. It will require a lot of rinsing, and some people have reported finding undesirable debris in it, but I have it in one of my shrimp tanks and haven't had any issues.
2. Java moss, pearl weed, and guppy grass are all classic plants that will provide a lot of hiding places and grazing surfaces for shrimp. Stem plants are another good option to add some height. You might find something you like at Buy, Sell, Trade, Free Forum. Plants offered for sale by members here will generally be considerably less expensive than from the store or commercial online retailers.
3. Those plants I listed above aren't particular about light, so any decent LED aquarium light made for plants should be fine. AquaNeat and BeamsWork are two decent options that won't cost a lot of money.
4. A good liquid fertilizer is all they really need.

Ok thanks you so much for the info! Do you know what a good fertilizer I could use for some low tech plants? Thanks again!

 

Here is a pic of a 10g Planted Shrimp tank. I used the Fluval stratum with root tabs.
Plants:
Vals, Java Fern attached to driftwood, Java Moss, Süsswassertang Liverwort on Cholla wood and a Moss ball.



For the"Best" success, it is highly recommend to let the tank season/mature for 8 weeks or so.

Good Luck!

 

Here is a pic of a 10g Planted Shrimp tank. I used the Fluval stratum with root tabs.
Plants:
Vals, Java Fern attached to driftwood, Java Moss, Süsswassertang Liverwort on Cholla wood and a Moss ball.

View attachment 730795
For the"Best" success, it is highly recommend to let the tank season/mature for 8 weeks or so.

Good Luck!

Wow!! Your tank is stunning!!! Would you say the plants you used are beginner friendly?

 

Ok thanks! Do you think it would be easier is I did a 20 gallon because it will be my first planted tank?

Since it's going to be just shrimp and snails I probably would quit with a 20 gallon tank, and I'd make it a 20 long if you have room. That's a large enough tank for an astonishing number of shrimp, and I've heard that in larger tanks the females sometimes don't get fertilized when they should. I don't know if that's true, but it makes sense that the males would have a harder time finding them in a larger tank; especially early on when the colony is small.

 

Yep, all of the plants are easy, with low to medium light requirements. I was surprised myself how well the jungle grew, considering my inexperience at the time.

 

Since it's going to be just shrimp and snails I probably would quit with a 20 gallon tank, and I'd make it a 20 long if you have room. That's a large enough tank for an astonishing number of shrimp, and I've heard that in larger tanks the females sometimes don't get fertilized when they should. I don't know if that's true, but it makes sense that the males would have a harder time finding them in a larger tank; especially early on when the colony is small.

Ok that makes sense! Thanks!

 

Yep, all of the plants are easy, with low to medium light requirements. I was surprised myself how well the jungle grew, considering my inexperience at the time.

Perfect! I might use some of those! What fertilizer did you use? What brand? Liquid or root tabs? Thanks for the help!

 

I would absolutely recommend BeamsWork lights. They are found on amazon and costed me about $35. I think I got the DA FSPEC version and it has been great. Little to no algae growth but enough light to grow most plants.

 

Would this be to much or not enough light for a 20 gallon long?

 

Would this be to much or not enough light for a 20 gallon long?

If the size measurements fit your tank, I’d go for it. I’m not too sure on all the K ratings and that stuff. I just got the size that fit my tank. If you have issues initially with algae (which I think I did, it’s been so long hard to remember) you can cut down the photoperiod so the lights are on less. I personally would not go above 8hr per day to start with, you can always go up more once you see how algae reacts.

 

What fertilizer did you use? What brand? Liquid or root tabs?

As mentioned I used root tabs, I did use a brand of all in one liquid fert but very sparingly, maybe half the recommended dosage. Based I what I have read from other succesful "Planted Shrimp" tank keepers, it appears Nilocg Thrive S is the better choice now.

Good Luck.

 

As mentioned I used root tabs, I did use a brand of all in one liquid fert but very sparingly, maybe half the recommended dosage. Based I what I have read from other succesful "Planted Shrimp" tank keepers, it appears Nilocg Thrive S is the better choice now.

Good Luck.

Ok thanks!