What plants should I get?

allengw12345

I have a 10 gallon tank filled with a school of Neon Tetra, peppered cories and a Honey Gourami. I would like to add a little plant life to my tank but I am not sure what kind would be appropriate. I have two 15 watt light bulbs and an aqua-tech 5-15 power filter and a fairly large sized gravel.

If you could suggest a few plants and anything else I might need, I would be deeply appreciative. Thank you!

Byron

First issue is the light. Don't know what bulbs you have (I am assuming these are incandescent or screw-in, not fluorescent tubes), so I will mention the best for planted tanks are the CFL (compact fluorescent) in daylight, having a 6500K rating. GE, Sylvania and Phillips make them, you can buy them at hardware-type stores. A pair in 10 watts will be sufficient.

Second on the gravel, how big is it? It might be worth changing to fine gravel or sand if it is very large. I'll leave this until you respond.

As for plants, in a 10g Corkscrew Vallisneria would work, depending upon the hardness of the tap water--do you know the GH (you can get this from the water supply people)? Pygmy chain sword and Chain Sword. Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss (these attach to wood or rock). And for floating, Brazilian Pennywort, Water Sprite, Salvinia. These names shaded, so you can click them to see the profile with photos for the plant species.

Byron.

allengw12345

I have CF lights but I might get a lower K and a less powerful one.

For the gravel its your standard gravel, not sure if there are specific types but like little pebbles? I will probably get somthing finer.

And for the plants are there specific ones that my fish will particularly enjoy?

Thanks a bunch!

Also bringing my water in to be tested this weekend

Byron

On the light, a CFL Daylight with 6500K is perfect for planted tanks. Over a 10g, I use two 10w bulbs. The plants do well, and i see no algae trouble in this tank.

On the substrate, sounds like what we call pea gravel, as the grains are about the size of a pea. I would change it, not only for the plants but for the corys who really do best over sand, so why n to change to sand. I use Quikrete Play Sand available from Home Depot or Lowe's, and probably elsewhere. One bag will be more than enough, but it is only a few dollars.

For plants, to plant in the substrate, you have Corkscrew Vallisneria, Pygmy chain sword, Chain Sword. [You see the names shade, click them for the profile with photos and data.] If you have bits of wood (you should, the fish mentioned all like wood around them) you can attach Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss. Floating, look at Water Sprite, Brazilian Pennywort. These suggestions will all manage fine with the light suggested, they are easy, and provide some nice contrast. The Vallisneria does not do as well in soft water, so when you know the GH that will help.

Byron.

cwmorrow

Anacharis and Hornwort are inexpensive and improve water quality.