View Full Version : Beginner 29g Tank - FW plants advice?
harlanjmichael
12-31-2014, 07:48 PM
Hey everyone,
I just started a 29g community tank (guppies, swordtails, platys, etc.) and I am interested in your opinions on plants for a beginner aquarist. I have the Coralife dual T5 light fixture (30") that fits my 29g tank. I believe that my lighting system is suitable for sustaining plant life, but I am in need of advice for which plants to consider. I do not mind dosing with supplements, fertilizer, or whatever it is, but I do not think I am comfortable with meddling with CO2 levels. Are there any plants that I can introduce to my aquarium that are for beginners and do not require CO2 injections? :)
Thanks everyone for any advice!
Cliff
12-31-2014, 08:12 PM
Java fern and java moss come to mind as just about the easiest plants to care for
The below thread can give you some more ideas as well. Google some pics and see what you like the best
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=4074
luke77
12-31-2014, 08:34 PM
Also Anubis.
DougStanley
12-31-2014, 11:01 PM
Which coralife fixture do you have t5 or t5ho? Look at the bulb the t5ho are 31 watts a piece. If you have the t5ho it should put you in the high light category and you'll need co2.
Just remember java fern and anubias need to be tied or glued to driftwood or rocks. Don't plant the rhizome in your sand or gravel. Crypt Wendtii is an easy one as is Hygrophila difformis and sword plants.
harlanjmichael
12-31-2014, 11:49 PM
Which coralife fixture do you have t5 or t5ho? Look at the bulb the t5ho are 31 watts a piece. If you have the t5ho it should put you in the high light category and you'll need co2.
Let me mention that my light fixture is in fact t5ho. Does that mean i have to get high light category plants? And how does one administer co2. Sorry, I am a noob! :/
harlanjmichael
12-31-2014, 11:51 PM
The bulbs are 31 watts each.
harlanjmichael
01-01-2015, 12:13 AM
But I have two 31w bulbs; 62 divided by 29 gallons is 2.14w per gallon. Is that considered high light. Or is that moderate? I was researching online and my belief was that high lighting is over 3w per gallon. Is that right or wrong?
Cliff
01-01-2015, 01:49 AM
There are a lot more factors than total watts. The color temp and quality of reflectors will also have a very very strong influence on your level of lighting, possibly just as much or maybe even more than total watts.
Coralife reflectors are just OK so you should be fine there. I would suggest to make sure the color temp of the bulbs are 6700 K or lower. This info should be printed on the bulb. IF the bulbs have a higher color temp, then I would suggest to switch them for either 6,500 or 6,700 K bulbs. You can also raise the fixture about 6 inches above the top of the tank to reduce the level of lighting to a lower level. Both of these steps will ensure you have lower levels of lighting in you tank so you can keep things low-tech and easy do to.
hydra01
01-01-2015, 10:03 PM
Cryptocoryne Spiralis also makes a nice low light background plant. I've never had it "melt" like the other crypts do. It is a slow grower in those conditions though, so keep that in mind.
As others have stated Java fern and anubias are pretty indestructible as long as you keep them above the substrate
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.