1st timer requiring some knowledge

Raisis

yeah, it will be enough of a challange at 1st looking after the fish, so my choice would be plants that can look after themselves. Plants put oxygen into the water dont they, which is healthier for the fish?

Cashmeresocks

they also use the bad stuff that fish emit, and that decaying food emit and make it into good stuff. Look up the Nitrogen Cycle, it will explain what happens.

Raisis

Awesome, so it makes complete sense to have a few plants (where possible) in there. I'll look that up now.

thefishboy

Lots of plants are good.. Reserch some plants are easy to look after some hardier.. Some need low light some need high... But with heavily planted it cycles it almost instantly...

Raisis

Well I'm popping to Pets at Home to get a nitrate testing kit today, so i'll get some plants, and get some water in my tank. What heavily planted by your standard? 2 big plants that run top to bottom, or smaller plants that layer the bottom?
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thefishboy

Well quite alot of plants a good few buches.. By the way which part of the uk are you in>> And be a little bit careful about the plants they sell at pets at home.

Raisis

Im from Cardiff, in Wales. You? Should I find a decent fish retailer for plants? Because i've also got a country wide near me.
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thefishboy

Im from oxford... Have alook at the plants and note the names and take a few pics and if you ppost them here we can help you PROPERLY identify them.. Because i seemed to know more about the fish and plants then they did!!

Raisis

Haha, im going to look bonkers taking pictures of plants in the shop, but its a good idea. I've driven through Oxford, never had a proper look though.
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thefishboy

It may look stupid but it helps a little bit. But if the plants look healthy ie no hair algea etc. Then you could purchase 2 or 3 and put them in you tank. From what i know there about 2-4 but you can get like 3 for £10 or something..