42g Re-Design

[Demi ^_^]

Yup, I am totally sick of saying I am gonna change the 42g and then ending up not doing it.

So, I am going to make a huge plan of what I want and stay commited to it.

Now, onto some questions and eventually some pics ;))

I want start live plants again. I have a 2ft fluorescent bulb (Tank is 3ft). No fertilisers/etc. 5mm gravel.

1) Are Swords good plants? What are the requirements?

2) There is some plants called ELODIA or something at the LFS, does anyone know of or have any information on these plants?

3) What are some good, simple plants?

Now, I wanna do something different with the design. I am thinking of really different coloured plants like bright lush red and green.

This weekend, I am taking back the Glowlights to the LFS and I am gonna bring my dad in too have a little chat about my Balas ;)

Everythings suddenly looking up in the 42g! :))

[Demi ^_^]

The plants I want:


Are these good plants to start with?

Anacharis (Egeria Densa)
Asian Ambulia (Limnophila Sessiliflora)
Duckweed (Lemna minor)
Banana plant (Nymphoides aquatica)

All the above is definitely their, so next time I’ll go and check out the plants (Not buying) Then the following week, I should have saved enough cash to grab as many as I can!

ALSO:

In a local dam there is TONNES of Banana Plant their. How could I safely put some in my tank?

[mac]

Hi Demi,

The plant theme is very nice.

I would suggest getting some aquarium grade peat for your tank.
It is great for the plants, by providing nutrients.

But the Duck Weed I would skip. I had some for a time and it is a pest to get rid off.

mac

[Mvjnz]

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to collect plants from nature.

I'd also skip the duckweed, unless you have snails or fish which like to munch on them.

Egeria densa is excellent for starting a new tank because it grows fast, is easy to care for and reduces algae growth. And snail won't eat it:)

Don't really know the other ones, but one of my personal favourites is hygrophila polysperma, which is decorative, easy and fast growing. Can't combine it with mystery snails tho as it is a very yummy snack for them.

I have one in my tank called baby tears (Micranthemum umbrosum) which is pretty and fairly easy. Needs decent light tho.

[Demi ^_^]

Really???? I didn't know it was illegal. Alot of people, including myself take samples of plants, rocks and driftwood from dams. Although I have to add the dam I am talking about is actually on someones property whom we know of and lets us.

I am so glad the Egeria Densa is a good choice, coz it is everywhere here! I can get a nice healthy stem for 2 bucks at the markets, I'll have to get a fair bit!

I won't get the duckweed them.

Sooo, about the Banana plant in this dam, what could I do to make it aquarium safe?

[mac]

Hi,
Isn't Egeria densa a type of Oxygen weed you get for gold fish bowls???

If so from what I have read and heard it dose not last to long???

mac

[Demi ^_^]

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Is it :((

[Mvjnz]

If it's on private property and you have the owner's permission then it's fine:)

The egeria densa is fine, I have heaps of it. They last forever, as long as you trim the top off them occasionally and replant it. The bottom tends to go a bit brown and sad, so cut that off regularly and just keep the top.

[Demi ^_^]

Cool, should I do anything to the Banana plant though? Do I just put in some clean water, then put it in?