You silly plant lovers talked me into it...

cbirk

So I went out and got some plants for my 55 gal community.

I added 2 medium Amazon Swords, and 2 small Water Sprites to the 2 Red Wentii, and large glob of Java Moss. I didn't have time to take pictures before work, but I'll take some when I get home. So far though I really like the look. I think when I get my taxes back I will go get some more.

I wanted to add some micro swords along the front, but the ones at myu LFS didn't look very healthy, and I hear they take more light then I initially thought so I might see if I can find something else. Any suggestions for a short grass like 2-4 inches that can grow fine off the standard 15 watt x2 lights in a 55gal ??

NC Frank

Good luck on planting your tank. I am sure that Byron will be able to assist you with your questions. I ended up with a pretty heavily planted healthy tank thanks in part to Byron's help.

JohnnyD44

I too have gotten bit with the plant bug!!! I just put my order with, what I've heard is a fantastic company, sweet aquatics...in my 55G, along with many other plants i got 4 or 5 of these
Sweet Aquatics
maybe thats something that would interest you...

I did notice one thing though....only 30 watts of total lighting is on the lower side...I remember when I first setup my tank, everyone pointed me in the direction of two(2) 32 watt bulbs...I have one of the "cool blue" and one "daylight" bulb in the 55G. Running on dual bulb flourescent hood....

Like I said, I'm a noob to planted tanks and for all I know, plants may do well with 30 watts of lighting....but from what I've gathered....it may not be enough.....I'm positive, angel or byron will be along to confirm either way...

cbirk

Yeah, I was worried about that as well, I trust my LFS, I think I lucked out, they said that all the plants I have should be able to do just fine with the lighting I have, but that they would look wonderfull If I upgrade.

So next on my list of things to get is a couple of brighter lights. This tank also sits in front of a large window, so I hope the natural light helps a bit too. Surprisingly I have never had a probelm with Algea in this tank even though it was suggested that I might if I kept it in front of the window.

rsn48

I've never understood folks with bare tanks and fish, they don't look right to me. Your lighting doesn't sound up to snuff even at one watt per gallon. The standard lights that come with most 55 gallon tank kits usually aren't that great. I had one of the 55 gallon kits and my plants didn't do well and I knew it was the lighting. Eventually I got out of the hobby because of poor plant growth and a massive hair algae problems; issues I didn't deal with properly.

If you have problems with your plants, the first thing to suspect will be your lights. Read Byron's stickies in the plant forum here. Everything I've read says if you aren't going the CO2 route, to keep the lighting to 2 watts or less per gallon. This time I bought better lights at 6700 Kelvin at 1.7 watts/gallon.

cbirk

Also I have never ordered from anyone online for plants or fish. Most everything my LFS is able to get in for me if I request it. However I am curious into looking into it. How is it shipped? My biggest concern is that I might not be home, and they will leave it on my steps to freeze :(

Angel079

another one converted AWESOME! You won't regret it; live plants are awesome

Sag will grow rather "tall" with its 5-6" for the front; I'd pers rather get narrowleaf Chain Sword; googel image results or I can take you a pic of mine in the 55g tomorrow.
I also buy all my plants at the sweetaquatics; love them guys.

For the Java Moss...consider maing a lil carpet or green wall out of it rather then just having the 'goob' lay in the tank; looks pretty neat (you can see it under my aquarium log> New Shrimp Farm" with the black sand)

Can't wait for the pictures

Angel079

They always ship out so that its with ya Fri/ Sat. These days its all super rapped in wet newspaper with a heat pack in it. My last order was during a pretty decent snow storm and I hadn't seen the mailman run by so that box sat out there in the snow for well over 3hrs; but the way it was packed up; nothing got damaged.
Also if you're in a real bad area like the East coast right now; Marry will hold your shipment and not ship out till after the storm is over, they're REAL good there
I don't even bother shopping elsewhere any more. Dan her husband is actually a member now here too...so look for a member called Sweet Aquatics

stephanieleah

I love this thread!!!

(sorry to post something so useless, but I'm enthused by all the newly emerging plant-lovers!!!)

cbirk

Hey thanks Angel. If you look at my tanks, under 55gal community you will see what I have done with my Java Moss, is that what you were talking about? (These pictures do not include my newest additions)