Plants for my 40G???

[TayHudson]

I'm really interested in having some real plants in my 40 gallon one day. What would you guys recommend for a tank that size? Something simple to start off with I suppose. I have an all gravel substrate. 2 sizes of beach pebble stone. I just don't like the fake plant look too much. And I think the fish would appreciate it.

I've always checked them out in the LFS' and anytime I'm on a fish related site. I've seen some awesome planted tanks on here and I was just wondering if it's a good venture for myself and fish.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[clint]

How much light do you have over that 40g?

I'm growing crypts in my 90g, in gravel, they are pretty easy. So is anubias, Java fern and Java moss. But lighting levels need to be at a certain intensity. For active growth at least 1 wpg, better is 1.5 watt per gallon is what i'd recommend for the plants listed above. Thats without getting into the co/2 subject you would need for a higher light tank.

[TayHudson]

I have a Aqueon Fluorescent Strip-Light. It came with a bulb, and I'm not exactly sure the watt's.

I had looked into the Java fern's and moss online.

I was also wondering, is it impossible to plant in an already existing aquarium?? I know that's probably a very stupid question, but I was curious. I don't have the money or the space to start a whole new tank to plant. But it is possible at all??

Thank you for your advice

[clint]

Those 1 lamper lights aren't the best for growing plants and yes, you can plant your plants with roots in gravel in an established tank. The light you have would probably keep some plants alive, but little growth would occur.

Your best bet is to go to a home improvement center and get a cheap twin tube shoplite. They make 3 footers, the next thing you need to do is go over to the fluorescent tube area and get 2 tubes rated at 6700k/6500k. Thats the light spectrum which works best for growing plants indoors or in aquariums. Look/ ask for at least a T-8 setup, better would be a T-5. Each uses less watts, but puts out more lumens or light.

Another alternative would be to get something online. The T-5 HO (high output) single 36" would give you enough light to grow the basic plants your wanting to grow. And they would thrive, but thats going to cost a bit more then the shoplite route.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/p ... atid=19759

[TayHudson]

I've seen the T-5's but I really can't afford to spend 115 + the extra for the bulbs. Right now its just not an option. I'll look into going to a Home Depot and see what i can find. thanks so much for the response. I'll probably have to hold off on plants for a while.

[clint]

You can get a $20 lamp and spend another $8 dollars or so for the tubes via Home depot. Just make sure its a twin tube setup. Its what i'm running now, due to that shy clown loach and all my plants are still growing with less algae issues? I might just do away with my 130 watt CF. But then again it does show off the fish so much nicer, so many decisions. Good luck in your light, plant quest.

[TayHudson]

My yoyos are very active as are my other fish. they can be shy of course. I'll look into. good luck with all those decisions!

[starsplitter7]

I grow Java moss in my tanks. It is unattractive, but makes a great nursery, grows in reduced light, and is almost indestructable. I don't have bright lights. I also grow wisteria, and I like that a lot. Very pretty and it grows well and makes lots of plantlets. I let it float, so it is close to the lights and helps to hide the fry.

My fish like to sleep in the java moss. Locally it sells for about $4 a cup, and I probably have two gallons of it. It just grows and grows.