So, this is how it starts...

[zoa]

come on dave start a nano reef or something. You know you need more then a goldfish.

I don't know I have seen some beautiful planted tanks that rival many reefs... I want to start one as well but don't want to again spend a ridiculous amount of time researching something new like I had to do with SW.

[davocean]

LOL, this is just my little bedroom tank project to keep me busy until my new reef tank comes, don't worry, I haven't completely flipped!
I just hit that point that I couldn't stand not having swimming buddies to gaze at.
This will be a very low maintenence planted, and really I'm having fun w/ this right now.
And there are some RAD planted tanks I've seen so far.

[Fine Fins]

I love planted tanks don't get me wrong. I should post an old planted tank I had. I'm just saying, I can just see Dave you are slowly moving back into the reef. Little here little there.... just jump in come on.

[davocean]

Like I said, just waiting for new reef system, so already in the works.
Can't jump in till that thing that holds water is here!

[AlabasterEskies]

the plant is an anubias they are great and hardy. easy and you dont need to worry about your light it is not too strong. I would use plant bulbs if you have them ~6500K.

Goldy is cute!

The One and Only stuff really does work. It is made by the maker of Bio-spira and I cycle all my tanks with that stuff. Just dont overstock

I'll get you some other plants when you come by tomorrow I have some Java fern and Moss that are also easy plants.

[davocean]

That sounds cool, but I was kinda going by that list from socalboo, and he said to avoid slow grow plants like most fern and mosses, and Java being one of those.
What do you think?
I don't really want to run Co2.
I saw wysteria, hornwart,watersprite listed as good for no Co2.
Trouble is some plants I've seen aren't marked, or in greek, I have no idea what's what.
I did PU an umbrella plant on impulse, and saw kyoto, ribbons, coconut, onion, that I like.
Not sure how those fare.

[AlabasterEskies]

rhizome plants (java fern / Anubias) grow slow but do not need high light or co2 to be happy. Slow growth doesn't mean bad either! Also all these plants (mosses included) will grow exceptionally well with proper light, substrate, and water parameters.

Personally some of the quick growers look trashy to me. as they are always sending out shoots and trying to overtake your landscaping.

When you come by I can tell you more if you like... also you can see any all of my tanks, only one of which is on co2.

a good website to check out is: AquariumPlants.com

link to there beginner plant section

[davocean]

Cool, I actually like the thought of slower grow, less trimming.

[davocean]

Ok, this is what I have right now, but I may change things.
One, I'm thinking I like the potting soil look.
Two, after seeing Jenifers(alabastereskies) tank, I'm thinking I may already want to go bigger!LOL
And thanks Jen for the goodies!

[AlabasterEskies]

Looks good! I see you fond some live bearers for the tank they add a nice splash of color.

Once your tank has cycled I'll get you some nice tall background plants

[davocean]

Very cool Jenifer!
Yep, couldn't pass em up, but fish buying stops now until things mellow w/ tank.
BTW, goldy is lovin' her new tank, now has room for a buddy.
Water still a lil cloudy, pics later.

[davocean]

Goldy's new tank and her new buddy.

[ajn81]

Cool tanks, but it looks like homer and bart think you need to go bigger!

[davocean]

LOL, didn't notice that!
Need to ditch the ghetto pump too.

[AlabasterEskies]

Goldy and friend (who needs a Name FWI - or I am going to start calling him "Hawns") look very happy in their tank! They are so tiny in that 10g but that wont last long I am sure Seeing it make me want to set one up for myself (Oh Dear God what have you done!) I was thinking you should try some Val in that tank too since it is so tall, I just don't know if you will have enough light for it but at least you have the right substrate.