[Stish85]

I have a 55g.aquarium that I am planting. It will have about 30 gallons of water in it. How many plants do I need to plant to use them as the main filter?

 

[scott1234]

There are alot more experienced people to chime in here, but to make it easier, you will need to give ALOT more information. Such as, why only 30 gallons in a 55? What is your main goal for this tank? What are you stocking (fish, livestock)? If for fish, how many? What kind? What substrate do you have? What lighting are you going to use? Are you using CO2? What is your experience level? You see where I'm going with this.. This Forum has so many "Aquatic Geniuses" . The more info you can give, the better they can GLADLY guide you, just as they have done for me time and time again! BELIEVE ME you're in the best place for guideance! Good Luck with your project!

 

[Stish85]

Thanks Scott, I totally understand I don't know why I didn't put that info in there right away. LOL



The aquarium I am planting will be a brackish water aquarium with a sand substrate.(I know this limits my plant options). I will be stocking the aquarium with a couple archer fish which is why it will only have 25 to 30 gallons of water in it. For lighting I am using 2 48" 40w T8 bulbs at 6500k . At this time I do not plan on using CO2 unless it is absolutely necessary.

I really just want an aquarium that looks nice on display with the added benefits of live plants. I have had both FW and SW aquariums in the past but have been out of the game for a few years. This will be my first attempt at a planted aquarium.

 

[corina savin]

I don't know many plants suitable for brackish water (java fern, anubia, vallisneria) . None of them really fast growers, meaning...not much help assimilating nitrogen compounds. Most fast growing plants are soft, acidic water lovers.
I would start with as many plants as you can fit in your tank and only few fish. Watch your plant growth. Check your nitrates. If they stay low, add more fish.