Rookie Planting

[PredatorTank215]

I just set-up a 165 and would like to dress the tank up. I like having all natural looking tanks that mimic the fish real environment. So I was going to do sand, rock, driftwood and plants. Id like to know if its possible to have plants without a CO2 system? If the lighting and nutrients are right will the plants survive? Im not looking to have a fully planted tank just a couple to accent the look of the tank.

The tank is 72 long, 18 wide, 30 Deep. I have a 4 bulb T5 light with moonlight on the tank. It has 2 white bulbs (I guess) and 2 marine bulbs. I was going to replace them all with the Flora bulbs at my LFS. Anyone have advice?

 

[MDK500]

How many watts per gallon is that? That, along with Co2 will tell you what plants will thrive in your tank.

 

[MDK500]

Well, and some other things but if you are new to plants I wouldn't worry about it, but definitely read the stickies.

 

[PredatorTank215]

Yea Ive been reading past posts and stickies. Just figured Id be easier person to person/talkin to a pro. How do I figure out WPG? Im not even sure how many watts the bulbs or fixture is.

 

[onlikedonkeykong17]

it all depends on your lighting and the type of plant

 

[PredatorTank215]

The T5 is my lighting and I have no plants. I have to figure out what kinda lighting i need and then buy plants accordingly dont I?

 

[MDK500]

T5 is fine, find out how many watts it is by looking at the bulb, then divide this by the gallons to find to WPG

 

[PredatorTank215]

T5 is fine, find out how many watts it is by looking at the bulb, then divide this by the gallons to find to WPG

Should I be doing this with the bulbs Im going to buy since the the ones that came with the tank are for SW?

 

[MDK500]

Yes, make sure to get the correct color spectrum bulbs too.

 

[PredatorTank215]

Yes, make sure to get the correct color spectrum bulbs too.

Purple/Blue?