Which lights and CO2 system for plants?

I have a 10 gallon aquarium with the clip on lights and I was told that these would not grow plants very well so what lights should I get? I'm also confused on which CO2 system to get so if any advice on that would be very helpful! Thanks for the help!

 

The lights and CO2 system depends on which type of plants you're going to get.

Low light/maintenance plants need only low light with no CO2 system:
Anubias, anacharis, java fern, water sprite, etc.
These types of plants are great for beginners. Florescent T5 or T8 would work for your 10 gal but you might need to get a light fixture for it. I hear a lot of good things about the Finnex FugeRay LEDs if you want to look into those.

 

Do you have plants already, or are you planning on getting some?

 

I am planning to get some nothing is set in stone yet, I was thinking probably getting some micro sword plants, amazon sword, java moss, anubias nana, and maybe some red tiger lotus. As for the Finnex lights are WAY to expensive for me I can probably go a tops of $50 for lights. I can maybe only maybe get a new hood to so if I need a new hood for a certain kind of light I can see the price and think about getting it or if it would be cheaper to just get new lights I will do that,

 

The micro sword and Red tiger lotus need higher lighting than that amazon sword, java moss, and anubias. I currently have dwarf sag that sort of resembles a carpeting plant that needs less maintenance than micro swords. If you choose to get the micro swords and Red tiger lotus, they will most likely need a fertilized substrate along with the CO2 system. If you're looking for a plant with lily pads, the aquatic banana plant is excellent to go with the anubias, Sword, and java moss. Eco-complete substrate is great if you're looking for easy fertilized substrate.

I've never dealt with Red tiger lotus, perhaps someone can chime in about them but I hear that they grow very big.

 

Well I can deal without the micro sword and exchange that for dwarf hair grass? I can also find a different plant than the Red Tiger lotus but I do want a center piece plant, any ideas on that? I will probably be doing CO2 but I don't know what CO2 system to use or light.

 

Well if you plan to use CO2 then the micro swords should be fine. You mentioned u have a hood already? The only CO2 injection I've used is the fluval version

 

Awesome! I like micro sword. Yes, I do I have the 10 gallon from aqua culture and the hood that comes with it. . Thanks for helping with the CO2 problem, do you know if Walmart carries them or should I look at Petco?

 

I've seen it at petco, might be cheaper if you buy online though.

 

Okay thanks, I'm still looking for a center peice plant any ideas?

 

If you get a moderate light like t5 you could do the tiger lotus. I honestly like the look of red melon swords though.

 

I love that!!! I'm going to get the red melon sword!