10 gallon planted questions

[Ethan14]

Hi I'm setting up a 10 gallon heavily planted tank for my dorm room. I don't want to use C02. But I think I will use Seachem Excel. It's pretty much my first planted tank, so I have a few questions.

I currently have pool filter sand in the tank. I think I like the look. Is that good for plants? i I could also switch out Fluorite instead of the sand since I have that as well but I don't know if I like the look of that as much. Especially stem ones like dwarf sag? I was considering putting some fertilizer tabs in it.

And as for lighting is this a good light?
Zoo Med Ocean Sun 10,000K.
Will this bulb fit in my standard hood that came with the aquarium? I was thinking about using mostly low light plants like Anubias, Crypts, and dwarf sag. Is this too bright?

Thanks for any help.

 

[pjsmetana]

A 6,000K would be better for most plants IMO. Don't buy a bulb that is by Penn-Plax or any other super cheap brand. You get what you pay for.

Skip the CO2 unless your loaded and super impatient. Seachem Excel is also a waste of money IMO. Cheap liquid ferts with Iron and Pot-ash seem to work pretty nicely when added right after your weekly water changes.

Sand is fine for almost every plant. Flourite is a little better sometimes, but just remember, any plant that can grow in that stuff will also grow in sand.

Root tabs are great. Personally, I don't recommend adding them more than the initial planting time, as too often will burn the roots of a lot of plants.

Make sure when planting, anything that is not a grass you put towards the rear of the tank. That way when you add fishies it will look super nice.

One more thing. If you want this tank to be a plant only... then I highly reccomend you use the water from the tanks with fishes in it for your weekly water changes. That old water is to plants like gold is to the jewish.