new to freshwater plants

fishstick41

Hi guys im new to freshwater plants how do you know if your plants are growing ? i cant really see much or any growth ...

sik80

*resists the strong urge to post facepalm picture*

umm, they're growing when... they grow. it should be noiticeable

small fry

Some plants grow slowly. I have a Java Fern that hasn't grown as far as I can tell since I got it in November. On the other hand, my Hornwort has doubled in size in half that time. I depends on the plants, the lighting, and any other 'plant food' you are feeding them.

fishstick41

well maybe yall can help me. I have a 55 long with stock lamps but i changed the bulbs to 2 15 watts aqua-glo t8 18,000k. i don't really have money to buy bigger lights for the tank. Will that be good for my plants to live/grow on ?

small fry

I may be wrong, but I believe that is SW lighting. You may be able to get a bulb for the same fixture intended for fw setups, but I am not sure. When setting up a planted tank, aim for 6500k (full spetrum "daylight" bulb).

What kind of plants do you have?

fishstick41

lol i use to have a sw tank but it kind of helps to have a job before you start one -.- lol i post pictures im not sure what they are called

redchigh

18000K are actinic bulbs. Go buy some "daylight" 6500k bulbs from wal-mart. They are only a few dollars.


Next, buy some Flourish Comprehensive liquid fertiliser. Pro Plant is also a good brand, but less concentrated.
With the liquid ferts and decent lighting (ie whatever fits your hood), you should have good luck with most plants.

fishstick41

alright cool i have the liquid fertiliser but will 2 15 watt bulbs work for the tank ?

redchigh

Depends on your tank size and whether we're talking about T12 (the older wide tubes), T6 (the new super-skinny ones), or the T8's (in the middle.).

I'd go with T8s if you can, but you have to get T12, it'll do.

fishstick41

i have t 8s