what are some simple plants that can grow in pool filter sand

[skools717]

i need some simple plants for a tank, i cant afford eco complete or any of that so i was wondering if i can even have plants in pool filter sand

 

[mgamer20o0]

any plant should be fine. i never had problems. maybe hc or hair grass might be a little hard sine the small root structure.

 

[Pharaoh]

Hair grass grows well in my tank and I have pool filter sand.

I also have contortion val and a few others.

 

[skools717]

ok great and i was also wondering do i need to have Co2 if the plants aren't that that extravagant

i was thinking like amazon swords

 

[msjinkzd]

What is your lighting? That is really your initial limiting factor. Please give us details about lighting, tank size, depth of substrate, hardscape so that we can make some suggestions of plants for you.

 

[skools717]

well i tore down my tank and i starting fresh all that is in the tank is the PF sand. im planning on adding some driftwood but i mainly want the tank to be filled with plants.

the tank is 6 feet long 14 inches deep and 2 feet high

im not 100% sure of the lighting but the tank has 2 eclipse hoods with 2 flourecent lights in each one they read

ECLIPSE
natural daylight
F18T8

it doesnt indicate anything about watts

EDIT: after some futher research ive found that they are each 18 watts

 

[Matt724]

definitely not enough light, bud. get more watts on that, then add co2 (30ppm) and then put some root tabs in the substrate about an inch away from where you plant your plants and dose with ferts and you should be fine.

 

[skools717]

what wattage would you suggest for each bulb

they are each 2 ft long

 

[skools717]

dose with ferts

what kind do you suggest

would four 24 watt bulbs be enough for some easy plants

 

[Matt724]

you want around 2-3 watts per gallon at least if you wanna keep anything from java moss to crypts i would say considering the depth of the tank.