Planted Advice

[Saku]

Hello,

I know next to nothing about planted tanks.....

I have a 50 gal tank with 30" strip light. The substrate is playsand, but was thinking about switching to eco complete. The occupants will be a 6" S. Manuelli and maybe a pleco(royal). I want something low maintenane (doesn't everyone?). I'm willing to make some purchases, but would like to avoid CO2.

I like the look of the bottom covered in "grass" and would like something for the P to swim in and out of.

Suggestions greeatly appreciated

 

[racialfish]

The closest grass look you will get will be from java moss. Dwarf hair grass requires higher light and nutrients + co2.

 

[Andrewtfw]

If you are willing to upgrade the lighting to get about 2 watts per gallon, you could try pygmy chain swords for a foreground plant. Many other foreground plants will require brighter lighting and co2. I have heard good things about eco-complete, though I use flourite myself. -Andrew

 

[Saku]

Opted not to go with the eco complete. $30/bag, kept the sand. Anyway, I bought some crypts, and a sword, so it's not too heavily planted. I guess we'll see. It gets some sunlight too.

 

[Mr.Geoff]

use dwarf sag for your lawn