Advice for Converting Established Tank to Planted

kangy

LMAO, before we left for the night I covered it up, after reading your post I looked over at my aquarium and thought "what fun is that" and took the blanket down. I really think I'm overthinking this. Well as promised here are some pictures of the plants, sorry about the flash on some of them. I put what I think they are.

Unknown "Grass"


Anacharis


Another shorter Unknown "Grass"


Java Fern


Unknown


Amazon Sword


Unknown Sword (possibly a small amazon) Sorry, they are tucked behind the driftwood


Another view of the Unknown Swords directly above


Also on that last picture does anyone know what that white stuff on the driftwood is? I scrubbed the heck out of the wood and boiled it for a wile, would not come off unless I used the tip of a knife to get it. There is a lot more on the back side. I didn't notice it at the LFS and fell in love with the shape of the wood but am now concerned it may not be something natural to the wood. I first thought it was something coming out but since it does come off the surface I am questioning that now. On second glance it looks like bird crap or paint. Either way it's not too aesthetically distracting most importantly whether it's natural or not is it safe for the water/fish?

Thank to anyone who helps ID the unknown plants and/or confirms the ones I took a stab at.

MinaMinaMina

The first grass appears to be Vallisneria spiralis or "Italian Val". Yes, the second appears to be Anacharis or Elodea, I get those confused. The next pic, not for sure on. Yes, the fourth pic appears to be Java Fern, but you should not bury the rhizome, it can rot. It should be attached to a rock or wood with a string or fishing line. The fifth appears to be Bacopa sp. or "Baby's Tears" I believe. And I'm no good at telling one sword from another.

I don't think I can help you on the white splotches.

But I'm so glad you went planted! Can't wait to see how it grows in!

Calmwaters

I agree with Mina the first are Vals, the second is Anacharis (I have it in my tank), the third is maybe Vallisneria Nana, the fourth is Java Fern, the 5th is maybe Bacopa Monnieri, I am not good with the different swords either because the leaves on a few different ones are very similar. Maybe pm Byron he could tell you for sure what they are. ; ) As far as the white stuff on the driftwood I am not sure what it is but there was another post on here sometime back about white stuff on driftwood try the search option at the top maybe it will help.

MinaMinaMina

Yeah, Calmwaters, I was thinking of the fungus stuff, too. The only fungus stuff I remember is the white milky/cloudy type, but I didn't think that maybe there are different kinds. A search is a good idea!

Byron

Agree on the plants except for the short "grass" plant which is likely Acorus or perhaps Lilaeopsis.

Don't worry about the exact period of darkness, provided there are several hours of complete dark. You can read more on light here:
Lighting: How It Affects Freshwater Fish

kangy

You guys are awesome. hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I had searched through the forum and Google about the white stuff on the wood and everything I found was for the milky white fungus or sap. The picture is kind of blurry, ill try to get a better picture this evening but if anythiwng it looks like sap but I really doubt that's what it is and I didn't think the Malaysian wood had sap. At closer look it really resembles dried poop. It is very thin and just on the surface like it was painted. It's a mixture of white and orange. When trying to clean it it seemed like part of the wood. The back side has streaks of it and random little spots. I thought it added character to the wood. And of course in my excitement I didnt quarantine it lol. I'll just keep my eyes on it or get a pleco to see if he eats it haha.

kangy

Is the rhizome the short black nub that comes out the side just above the roots kind of like one really thick root? If so I have that just above the gravel, one of the fish must of put a grain on it but if you look close you can see it on top of the substrate. If not then no idea. I may secure it to part of the driftwood.

Byron

Yes, the rhizome is the very thick stem (for lack of better word) from which the leaves grow and also the very fine black hair roots. The rhizome as was mentioned should not be buried or it may rot.

kangy

Alright so here is what I believe to be the "close enough" final list :)

Vallisneria Spiralis
Anacharis
Acorus
Java Fern
Bacopa Monnieri "Baby's Tears"
Amazon Sword
"Random" Sword

I think I'm going to move the random swords to the front right and put the Vallisneria behind the driftwood to the right of the filter intake as I believe that one will get very large. I picked up some liquid Flourish and Fourishtabs today. I'm going to start dosing twice a week and see where it goes form there. Which ones should I use the root tabs on. I'm thinking one or two about 3-4" from the Amazon Sword as that thing had a HUGE root ball. The rest I think should be ok with liquid ferts.

Calmwaters

I would put one near each one of the swords and if you do not attach the Java Fern to driftwood and keep it in the gravel I would put one near it to.