Planted Tank Newbie

Welcome zaheer! Get that thread started so we can start answering your questions!

 

Hey there. Will do just now actually. I need all the advice that comes my way. See you on the flip side

 

Hi Zaheer,
Well you do get quality plants at petshops, I have bought an Amazon sword, Valisnaria and my Anubia from a petshop and they all do quite well. But like I said, just be careful that they don't sell you non-aquatics, so just buy at well known petshops. But if you can get the plants you need from Betterweather it is still your best option.

 

Hi Filip
Thank you! I appreciate your advice. I've created a new thread with a pic of my tank. I hope I created it in the right place. I'm still finding my way around here. On the topic about aquatic plants, I went to lifestyle yesterday and by me being a botanist, I was astounded to see them selling Acorus completely submerged in water. That's quite sad... the poor plant is probably gasping for breath :-( what fertilizer are you using? Your tank is low tech right?

 

Hi Zaheer,
Cool will definitely check it out. Is that the Lifestyle centre in Randburg. I'm using seachem products at the moment, Flourish, Trace that I use weekly, Excel that I use daily and then I use a Flourish root tab once every 2 to 3 months. I am currently reading a thread on making your own ferts that will probably over the long run be a lot cheaper. You can look at the following link http://www.apsa.co.za/xenforo/threads/ei-for-dummies.6142/

My tank is a 40L( quite small), one 10W T8 fluorescent and 2x 11W daylight CFL's. I do have CO2 but it works a little different than the CO2 bottles with the diffuser and bubble counter etc. You fill the diffuser in the morning with CO2 and then it basically dissolves during the day, I don't think they will be effective with larger tanks but it really works for my 40L. It's really cheap, it's around R50 for a disposable CO2 can and I'm going for my 3rd month on one can. So I guess you can still call it low tech haha

 

Think I'm late to the party welcome to APSA!!! These people know their stuff so you're in good hands! I actually love your tank, seems like you have an eye for scaping! There's little, but looks good so far! Keep well and hope you emjoy the threads!

 

Oh my word that is so awesome. Please send me pics of your tank if possible? I'm referring to Lifestyle Centre in Randburg. It's pretty closeby. Where do you obtain your tablet fertilizers? Oh my word, the CO2 is quite a good idea. I sometimes wished I had a smaller tank LOL. Keep in touch

 

Hello there and thank you! I would like to use my garden design knowledge in my tank with some tweaks of course I still need to get more plants. I'm still concerned about the substrate... argh

 

Lol there are so many options! I'm not much of a scaper I mainly just use moss, but ill be stepping up my game soon !

 

Hey hey

I guess we all crawl before we walk. I would like some stunning moss, Anubias, Amazon swords and other easy growing plants that's all. I don't want to give my life up for a plantarium., not just yet

 

I think you should add vallis and crypts to the list as well

 

Can crypts be grown in fine gravel?

 

I think so will have to let a pro answer that, but I don't see why not

 

Perhaps with a some root tablets

 

YUP! I have sucessfully grown Crypts in anything from river sand to coarse fishtank gravel, you know the "clown kots" colorful stuff.

 

Ha ha thanks Andries

 

What is the bear minimum fertilizers to use in a low tech tank?

 

OK perfect man! Thanks for that. However, if you were to recommend a fertilizer... do you get an all purpose one and where is it obtainable?