Another planted tank question...

[Chet]

I've got a 29 gallon with some plants in it that I really want to fully plant and have success with. Right now it's got two small amazon swords, two banana plants, and four anacharis. All but the banana plants have algae on some or all of their leaves. The tank has a sand substrate, which is probably not very good for the plants. Also, the tanks light is only a 30" sinlge strip light. It's a sun-glo 20w light. I'm pretty sure I'm sunk and I should just trash the plants and get some plastic ones, but I really like the look and function of live plants. What do you recommend?

[Scotty]

Chet- If you are not willing to go out and get at least a double strip, forget any plants except maybe some Java Moss. If you are willing to, go here http://www.thekrib.com and start reading the articles on keeping planted tanks. Hope this helps.....Scott

[Chet]

Am I better off buying a double strip, or going the DIY route and building a hood with sufficient light? How many watts per gallon should I shoot for? How do I deal with the sand substrate? Will plants do well in sand, or do I need to put in a container of some sort with laterite or some other plant friendly substrate? Thanks for your help. I'll check out the krib...

[Scotty]

Hey Chet- Most of those questions can be answered by reading up at that website. I will say however, that IMHO, DIY is always better if your handy enough to do it, and that site actually caters to the do it yourselfer with plenty of DIY articles.