the planted african tank

[Overawed]

I am trying to grow plants in my fry tanks. I figure the fish are too small to mess with the plants, and the tanks are right by a window which provides decent light for the plants. I have tried to grow plants in flourescent lit tanks with no luck. So, I thought good light was all I needed. Apparently not. Every plant I put in these tanks eventually die.

Anyone know of a good place to start learning about making a nice planted tank, or give me a bit of info I could use to make my plants flourish?

I have no substrate in these fry tanks. I keep the water around 75 F. Change the water every week. One is a 10g the other is a 20g.

[fOx]

Here you go...

aquariumplants.co.za/media.htm

have fun man!

fOx

[cathyhill]

Overawed,

I have had success with aquarium plant bulbs that you can pick up at Walmart. They are in the fish section. One pack usually has about 4 bulbs in it. Just open the package and drop the bulbs in your tank. (No substrate needed) They start growing in about 1 week. Mine grow very well in the summer months and then slow down during the winter. I also will add Leaf Zone Aquarium Plant Food (a liquid) but I only do this every couple of months or when the leaves start turning from green to a yellowish color.

[Overawed]

Thanks for the info Fox and Cathy I really appreciate it. I think I will stop by Wal MArt today.

I have found a good plant that apparently needs little light, I do not know the name but it has wide leaves that are varigated. I have some growing well in sun light as well as flourescent. Hopefully it will last. I will try out that plant food as well.

[gigafish]

how about java moss. that's what Im using in the fry tank with no light on the tank and it's in a dark area as well and they still survive. I also have some with lights and they grow very nicely.
they also provide micro foods for the fries, but not enough for them to survive on though. also try out java ferns too. good luck and thank you.

[SGypsyMermaid]

also cryptocorynes, and swordplants grow well. lights need to stay on for 10-12 hours a day, and should be replaced every six to twelve months. cooler water is better for most plants. small gravel with laterite mixed in or a plant-specific substrate like seachem's onyx is helpful. many of the plants sold for use in aquariums are actually bog plants, and so die before long. look for true aquatic plants. www.thekrib.com