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Plants in a 20 gallon

2K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  pretzelsz 
#1 ·
I recently got a new plant for my tank and put it in my section of sand and put rocks around it...Is this ok or do i need a special sand? If there is a special sand then i would have to order online... also any plant ideas i want to get some cories the tank is set up for new fish(put sand in just for them)? here is a pic


It's a bit diffrent now more sand then more rocks but there is the general idea.
 
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#2 ·
The sand/gravel setup is fine for plants, no worries there, although you will need more as I'll mention below.

The plant I'm fairly certain is a Dracaena, and they are not true aquatic plants. It will live for a few months completely submerged (underwater), but eventually it is going to rot.

I would suggest sword plants, Echinodorus is the scientific name for the genus, and there are many different types. They grow well in all but the hardest water, and under low/moderate light. They are native to South and Central America so your Corydoras and livebearers would feel right at home. You will need a deeper substrate, whether sand or gravel, as swords have extensive root systems. [The Dracaena will need more too, but as it is not going to last long I'd concentrate on the swords.] A depth of 2 inches minimum, sloped up to 3 inches or 4 inches where the plants are planted, works fine.

A piece or two of bogwood would look nice, and Corydoras love wood to graze over, plus it can be arranged to provide shelter which makes them feel less "open". Small pieces of wood can also help build up deeper areas for the plants.

Byron.
 
#3 ·
ok the thing i got it in said it was a gold ribbon(might just be an award but i just looked for a name). nw were can i find a sword plant? do i have to buy it online? i wan to have a complete habitat before getting the cories so were online maybe can i get a "sword" plant and the wood?



EDIT: Check my fresh water tank log i have a video of how it looks now.
 
#4 ·
Golden ribbon is a common name for the Dracaena. Unfortunately there are fish stores, esp the chain stores, that will sell these as aquarium plants without telling you the whole story.

Many reliable fish stores sell plants, and may have various ones in from time to time. Sword plants are quite common. I don't know the stores where you live, maybe other members can offer suggestions. There are some online sources for plants, though I've never personally used them; here again, members who have will jump in I'm sure.

Byron.
 
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