First go with real plants

[Jexnell]

So I have always used them plastic plants in my tanks. I want to give it a go at keeping some real plants this time.

I have 2 55gal tanks. So for both I will need 18in of light penetration to get to the bottom, thats if the lights sit right on top on the tank like most LEDS do now. I was thinking of getting the 4ft Fluval Aquasky LED. Its rated at 3000 to 25000 Lumens. ATM I have a 24in version of this light on my tank so it leaves the corners dark so wanted a 4ft one to light up the whole tank. I love this light it has day and night lighting and presets that mimic clouds rolling by and such. Makes the tank look really great.

I was wondering if this light would work for plants as well. Would I have to run it for a set amount of hours a day or anything like that. ATM I am just leaving the lights on the same as the sun is up, on at 7am and off at 9pm. I dont want a whole mess of plants. In my Dempsey tank I only want a few anubis and a kind of long grass for the left corner, besides what is in there now.

Its hard to see but the Javafern on the right side is getting some browning and yellowing of the leaves, it it from being on the edge of the light, or too much light? It has been in the tank for 4 months now, the others just 1 month (an amazon sword and a crypt). Any suggestions on a fert to use, is that stuff Flourish made by same company as Prime is anygood. I have read about fert tablets, are these sold at fish stores or plant stores and how often are they used.

I am going rescape my Oscar tank to look like a flooded mangrove with manzanita branches from Manzman in the vendor section. I want to also put in some long grasses in this tank, what would be a good one to use.

 

[Jexnell]

Thought up another question, do you use carbon in your filters if you have plants? At the moment both of my tanks have a Aquaclear 110 on them with a carbon pack and ammonia removal pack in them.

 

[Hendre]

Carbon can reduce trace elements, so I wouldn't recommend it.

You must try and dose liquid carbon and fertilisers if possible, high light and no fertiliser is asking for algae unfortunately.

Flourish is good, root tablets are essential for crypts and swords. Anubias grows slowly in just about any conditions

 

[Jexnell]

So should I take out the carbon packs, and will that change the water much for the fish. I do 50% water chages ever 3 days

 

[fisheatfish]

I can remember my first attempt with real plants...Big Failure! This is just from what I've learned...looks like a big algae mess coming your way with so little plants along with the lights being on for so long. I find over planting and good lighting along with fertilizing is the way to go. I started with nearly the entire line of Seachem's liquid fertilizers with good results...then moved on to Green Leaf Aquarium's dry ferts (highly recommended and nearly fool proof plus cost effective). This along with home made root tabs and co2 injection makes me look like I know what I'm doing but I'm still learning as I go.

I'd remove the carbon. I like the aqua clear 110...the sponge along with bio media are great for beneficial bacteria to thrive in. Strong flow from this filter but may not circulate the tank entirely considering how narrow the 55 gal tanks are...just add a powerhead.

If you want long grass, jungle vals would serve your purpose. They come in spirals also.

Just redid my 75 gal with moss growing on manzanita branches...had lots of moss on hand so thought I try this look. Still in the early stages. Sorry for the cloudiness...just did water change.

 

[Jexnell]

I can remember my first attempt with real plants...Big Failure! This is just from what I've learned...looks like a big algae mess coming your way with so little plants along with the lights being on for so long. I find over planting and good lighting along with fertilizing is the way to go. I started with nearly the entire line of Seachem's liquid fertilizers with good results...then moved on to Green Leaf Aquarium's dry ferts (highly recommended and nearly fool proof plus cost effective). This along with home made root tabs and co2 injection makes me look like I know what I'm doing but I'm still learning as I go.

I'd remove the carbon. I like the aqua clear 110...the sponge along with bio media are great for beneficial bacteria to thrive in. Strong flow from this filter but may not circulate the tank entirely considering how narrow the 55 gal tanks are...just add a powerhead.

If you want long grass, jungle vals would serve your purpose. They come in spirals also.

Just redid my 75 gal with moss growing on manzanita branches...had lots of moss on hand so thought I try this look. Still in the early stages. Sorry for the cloudiness...just did water change.
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Thank you for all of your suggestions. This Saturday I am going over to The Wetspot fish store in Portland so will pick some of that Green leaf dry ferts and some root tabs, along a lot of plants. I did take out the carbon during todays water change. And you are right I do have a big algea growth going on, Saturday I will be getting a pluco for that tank, I was thinking of maybe an Orange seam L 106 or a Super red Ancistrus, since they both stay on the smaller size as adults.

 

[fisheatfish]

Thank you for all of your suggestions. This Saturday I am going over to The Wetspot fish store in Portland so will pick some of that Green leaf dry ferts and some root tabs, along a lot of plants. I did take out the carbon during todays water change. And you are right I do have a big algea growth going on, Saturday I will be getting a pluco for that tank, I was thinking of maybe an Orange seam L 106 or a Super red Ancistrus, since they both stay on the smaller size as adults.

I've order fish from Wetspot...good selection and knowledgable people. They'll definitely be able to help you in much more depth. I'm sure they'll recommend to you the products they have but I ordered my ferts from the following link: http://greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizer.html

 

[skjl47]

take out the carbon packs, and will that change the water much for the fish

I'd remove the carbon

Hello; I agree with removing the carbon. Have not used it for decades.

About the light; how you consider what I suggest will depend on how you feel about function versus style and your pocket book. I made this suggestion to another member a while back and was informed they would rather spend much more money for a light that looked better in top of the tank.
I am for equipment that functions and am happy if it costs less. Around a year or so ago I picked up a four foot LED shoplight with the intention of mounting it in my basement. I stuck it on top of a 55 gallon planted tank for no particular reason than to check out the quality of the light.
Turns out it has a good coverage and I let it on for a while. I was a bit curious if the plants would grow. They have grown well. I have harvested plants out of the tank twice now.

I got the light in the clearance aisle at a local Wal-Mart for $25. I think they are about $35 -$40 normal price. I can find the specs of the light if you are interested. Granted you will not be able to brag about having such a light.

 

[Hendre]

Thank you for all of your suggestions. This Saturday I am going over to The Wetspot fish store in Portland so will pick some of that Green leaf dry ferts and some root tabs, along a lot of plants. I did take out the carbon during todays water change. And you are right I do have a big algea growth going on, Saturday I will be getting a pluco for that tank, I was thinking of maybe an Orange seam L 106 or a Super red Ancistrus, since they both stay on the smaller size as adults.

Don't, a credit card is a better algae remover than a pleco

 

[Jexnell]

So I have been reading people only running the lights for 6 hours a day. So for the rest of the time do you use outside lights to see your fish? My light has a night mode would that be ok to use or will it add more light time to the plants and algea growth.