Tropical Fish Forums

[cks]

Let's see if I can answer everything...

First, with the java fern are you saying that I will need to cut the fishing line off? What kind of cotton thread - like sewing thread?

Second, I'll definitely look at the garden section. The 29 is so much taller than the 10 and it looks really empty right now.

Third, I have regular gravel - I got the brown color which is about 3X the size of the colored gravel that I usually use. I did get some red gravel that is the smaller size to mix in to add just a little bit of color. It came out really cool looking!

Fourth, you are saying that I should plant havy for cycling, but the tank is cycled. I had the filter from the 29 in the 10 for about 2 weeks and I then added the 10g filter to the 29g tank for added filtration and water flow. My levels are:
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 10
pH - 7.4
alkalinity - 160
In my experience and from what I've read here, those are the levels I need, right? So, if my tank is cycled, does it matter that I'm taking it slow with the planting? I've got the worst black thumb with regular plants, and I don't want to throw away money if the aquarium plants don't work for me.

Fifth, although I want some plants on the driftwood, the main planting will be done through the tank. I only got one piece of driftwood for now, and I may not get anymore than that, I haven't decided 100% yet.

I think that's everything! Thank you again and if anyone can answer the new questions, I'd greatly appreciate it!
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Char

[Sammie7]

[Dusko]

I have a very easy to maintain 11 gallons shrimp tank.
Here is the whole idea
http://myaquascapes.blogspot.com/2006/09/11-gallons-42-liters.html

Regards, Dusko.
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[cks]

I don't mean river rocks, but the gravel seems bigger than the usual colored gravel. I'll see if my husband has taken a pic of the tank yet and get it posted on here to show you.

Thanks for the links! I'm going to go read them now!
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Char

[cks]

I really like the look of the anubias plants. Would any of those work with the regular tank hood light? I want mostly plants that are going to fill in the back and then just a few smaller ones for the front and foreground. Would the java moss work? I think it looks really cool on driftwood!

Thanks again for any advice!
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Char

[Sammie7]

Those are both great low-light plants. They are in fact recommended often for beginners, because they are very hardy. Do you know where you are going to buy your plants yet?

[cks]

I bought my first plant at Petsmart, which is where I buy all of my FW fish. I know the people who work there really well now, and I know the manager b/c his son is in my son's cub scout pack. I really trust them. I only say all this b/c I know that a lot of people don't like Petsmart or that type of store for livestock of any kind. Anyway, sorry for the rant.

Thank you for the advice!!
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Char

[cks]

OK, so I got a Java Fern today and a Moneywort. As of right now they are both down in the gravel, but I didn't know if I should tie the Java Fern to the driftwood or wait until I can get Java Moss (they didn't have it today) to put on the driftwood.

Thanks in advance for extra help!
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Char

[Sammie7]

I suppose if you have to take the wood out of the tank you should wait till you can do them both at the same time. Make sure you keep the moss wet, while you are tying it to the wood.

[cks]

Just to make sure I'm clear, I should tie the java fern to the piece of driftwood like I am going to with the java moss? Should I get a different piece of driftwood so each type of plant has it's own piece? (Am I making any sense? )

Thank you for the tip about keeping the plant wet, I would have taken it out of the tank to tie it on!
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Char