Plant choice with aggressive fish.

[richardhmc]

I see. I might get anubias then. I have seen pictures of it and it looks nice.
Also, it says requirements are
Care Level: Easy
Light: Moderate
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; pH 6.0-7.5; KH 3-8
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 6"
Color Form: Bright Green, Green
Ideal Supplements: CO2 Fertilization, Substrate Fertilizer
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Araceae

What is KH? I have that as one of the things tested on my 5-1 test strip.
Also, Do i need special plant lights? I am guessing so. Is it also possible to get a plant light with a cover so that my fish cant jump out unlike the one in the picture? ( I have had this problem a few times )

 

[Bderick67]

Kh is carbonate hardness, also known as alkanility. The only thing you really need to be concerned with here is if it is very low to zero it makes your Ph very unstable.

For plant growth in your 55 gallon you will need at least 2 40w flourestent lamps. Also I have found the 6500k - 6700k work the best. The lamps labeled for plant growth don't work well I think it is because the light has to penetrate the water. Best bet is to go with an glass top and a power compact fixture with 2 - 65 watt 6700k lamps this will be more then enough light for plants in a 55 gallon.

What type filter are you going to use? For plants Ive done best with a canister filter. there is less Co2 loss.

 

[WyldFya]

Personally I would recommend against ferns with your fish, anubias are border line. You will need to upgrade eventually anyway, when you do, swords would be good to add. Allow them time to root, (4-6 weeks) before adding fish. Their roots will spread so wide that the fish won't be able to uproot them. Anubias will work, but they should be rooted to wood before they enter the cichlid tank.

 

[180gallon]

true

 

[gomezladdams]

Hornwort,grows so fast I swear I can see it getting bigger,nice floating plant fish dont seem to bother much
java moss loose is pretty indestructible

 

[---XR---]

six JDs and a pleco?!?! a 55G will only hold one adult JD much less 6 and a pleco which needs 125G minimum.

I wouldn't worry about plants right now if I was you.

i wouldn't do anything under 180 with 6 jd's