Going planted- what to get?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
alexanian said:
I have 2 female Gt's, 1 oscar, pair of convicts and 1 texas. That's it as far as cichlids go. They do dig occasionally, specially the breeding pair of cons but I'll try to plant them somewhere between large stones if i see them uprooting them.

I'm very interested in these plants egeria densa, hygrophila polysperma, Ludwigia Natans. Does anyone have any experience with them in a low tech setup?
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The only hygro I've tried with my cichlids is Giant Hygro (Hygrophila corymbosa) and Willow Hygro (Hygrophilia angustifolia). I use rocks around the stems that are too big for them to move. Even my Geophagus Red Head Tapajos leave these alone. I've also attached willow hygro to a top corner for effect. The willow roots grow quite a bit if they're not buried. I like the way it looks and this is a gorgeous plant. My pt is low tech, w/o CO2 and now has medium lighting since I added a second light. My tank is tall, 28 inches.

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That looks pretty close to my tank conditions. My main issue with Java fern and amazon swords is, as I'm reading in my research, that they need root tabs to grow and there is no way for me to get those. Will pockets of clay under the sand work just the same? I'm looking for smth that will not be very dependent on fertilizers
 
Hi,

Sorry, I don't know anything about using clay or dirt in aquariums. My fish ate and uprooted all of my swords. Im sure there's other members here who have more experience with these substrates and plants that won't require ferts. I wouldn't try it in my tank simply because my geos would create a daily disaster with their digging and sifting. I use Eco-complete substrate in my planted tank. Here's what mine looks like now. Since I finally have a second light, I'll be able to add more plants now. Hopefully there will be some nice plants at the North Jersey Aquarium Society meeting I'll be attending in a few days. And lets not forget F1's thread on pothos, you might like to have this as part of your scape. Hope this helps, Laurie
View attachment 979976

Resource ideas that I remember mostly because my husband is Greek....

BTW, Noticed you're in Damascus... I'm reminded of a member here who is part of Predatory Fish Bay in Greece. His username is angelos7577 and the website is http://predatoryfishbay.com While you're on the other side of Turkey from him, perhaps this group might know where you could get supplies?

There's also http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/index_eng.html or
http://www.mchportal.com/fishkeeping-mainmenu-60.html with many members in Greece and lots of diy ideas.

--------
Another great source of info, anything you could think of related to planted tanks. Also maybe ideas for aquarium safe ferts you can buy at gardening or pond supply stores
http://www.plantedtank.net


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alexanian said:
Wow! Thanks LS2012 for all the great links, specially the one for aquarium safe ferts that can be bought at gardening or pond supply stores. I'll be checking them out for sure.
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Best wishes, please post pics when you can, I'd like to see your tank!
Laurie

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LS2012 said:
Hi,

Sorry, I don't know anything about using clay or dirt in aquariums. My fish ate and uprooted all of my swords. Im sure there's other members here who have more experience with these substrates and plants that won't require ferts. I wouldn't try it in my tank simply because my geos would create a daily disaster with their digging and sifting. I use Eco-complete substrate in my planted tank. Here's what mine looks like now. Since I finally have a second light, I'll be able to add more plants now. Hopefully there will be some nice plants at the North Jersey Aquarium Society meeting I'll be attending in a few days. And lets not forget F1's thread on pothos, you might like to have this as part of your scape. Hope this helps, Laurie
View attachment 979976

Resource ideas that I remember mostly because my husband is Greek....

BTW, Noticed you're in Damascus... I'm reminded of a member here who is part of Predatory Fish Bay in Greece. His username is angelos7577 and the website is http://predatoryfishbay.com While you're on the other side of Turkey from him, perhaps this group might know where you could get supplies?

There's also http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/index_eng.html or
http://www.mchportal.com/fishkeeping-mainmenu-60.html with many members in Greece and lots of diy ideas.

--------
Another great source of info, anything you could think of related to planted tanks. Also maybe ideas for aquarium safe ferts you can buy at gardening or pond supply stores
http://www.plantedtank.net


Sent from my Nexus 10 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

Sorry off topic OP.

LS, do you use pothos on your planted tanks, if so I think its something we should discuss on the sticky because some members think it will out compete the other plants...? I'd love to hear your trial!

BTW I dont think your pic worked and nice writeup :)




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Cheap way to decrease nitrates and keep your fish healthy: http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504763
 
F1 VET said:
Sorry off topic OP.LS, do you use pothos on your planted tanks, if so I think its something we should discuss on the sticky because some members think it will out compete the other plants...? I'd love to hear your trial! BTW I dont think your pic worked and nice writeup :)
Click to expand...

My apologies as well to the OP. Thank you F1, great idea! Maybe not so far off topic if its something under consideration :) Sorry if the pic didn't post, I've been having problems with the MFK app on my tablet.

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No problem I don't mind, as a matter of fact, I have a couple of pothos in this tank too and I'm also interested in ur trial LS. Did it out compete the aquatic plants? Mine aren't doing too well because of lack of light probably, I'm planing on getting a small CFL lamp just for them, but I don't want them to hurt the aquatic plants
 
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