Tropical Fish Forums

[Sooperbaby]

Hi,
I am interested in starting a 10 Gallon planted with some Java Fern, Java Moss, some Hairgrass, and possibly an Amazon Sword if its easy. I would like to know what type of substrate will be best suited with the plants and if I should use carbon for the filter. I am also going to put in some fish ike Corys, Otocinclus's, a Gourami and some tetras.
Thanks for the help.
_________________
monkey see, monkey do!

[Bob]

You can make a planted tank as easy or as hard as you want, for example, plants like Java Moss and ferns, don't need much lighting, they don't need substrate, they don't need much food. Lots of other plants like Elodea only use the substrate to anchor themselves to the bottom, rather than feeding through the roots.

On the other hand, most Amazon Swords, prefer a deep mud like substrate (Under the gravel) and they will easily outgrow a 10 gallon tank.

I would start with easy growing plants, then if the bug really bites, consider stuff like substrates, CO2, dry fertilisers and additional lighting.

Out of the fish you mentioned, some Corys (Depending on species) and Oto's prefer a mature tank (Running several months) before you add them. You only need carbon in a filter to take out known pollutants like medications etc, handy to have in the cupboard for when needed, but no need to run it all the time, best replaced with more standard filter media.

This is a good place to research plants:

http://www.tropica.com/default.asp

Bob

[kissaragi]

some kind of anubias would probably be better than an amazon sword, or maybe a smaller sword species

[Sooperbaby]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll skip the amazon sword and fish for now until things are going fine with the easy plants.
_________________
monkey see, monkey do!