help with planted aquarium

Lol..still waiting on the "great deal" on a large tank but I've come across a 30 gallon I couldn't pass up.

This question is geared towards planted aquariums.

I wish to eventually plant this tank. But for now its going to be Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern.

I was wanting a black substrate good for planting and then topping it with a black sand. What I need is some recommendations from y'all on what to use or if this is even a good idea. I don't want it to effect the pH and want it to be safe for bottom dwellers. Gotta have my Corys and BNs!! Was thinking of having a couple of Rams and Gouramis in it also. Thanks!!

I can't comment on this one mate as i have never kept real plants..(yet)....

Good luck though mate and dont forget to post the pics........

I will!!

ive never kept real plants but would say the broad leafed plants would be best for the bristlenose to graze algae from and the corys to lay eggs on .

In my main tank (planted) I have a lovely broad leafed plant, and whilst it does provide somewhere for the plecs to hide out in (also the pygmy cories and otos), I've found they will occasionally rasp on it. It's mainly my common female Lars that does this :P She loooves her greens!
The gravel under sand does work in my experience (thats what mine is currently) just make sure you put a decent layer of sand over the gravel, else you'll have gravel rising from the depths! xD

Just went and picked up the 30 gallon. Surprised that it was a bowfront! The thing is immaculate. I'll be getting it started on prolly next week or so.

Set up the new 10 gallon hospital tank last night. One piece of driftwood and a sand bottom. Its cycling as we speak.

My BNs are at it again. She was in his cave.../sigh. Once I get the 30 gallon ready she is going in it. I can't keep having babies. 77maverick is taking all that I have once they get of "selling size". All but one. My wife wants an Albino in hers.

Wonder if the government would offer me assistance since I have sooooo many children?

Apparently the best Soils for plant growth are ADA (Good & bad reports on this one tho http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/new-planted-aquariums/62707-ada-soil-good-bad.html )
& Eco Complete is another ( http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4014&catID=2 )

I get buy with normal gavels, Good lighting(& the correct amount), good ferts regime & I don't gravel vac around the plant roots.

Thanks!!

Your most welcome

If oyu can find one a red lotus lily is a cracking plant puts floaters up to top of water and can flower i have 2 in my tank

Do you mean a Red lotus Lilly(is that like a Banana Lilly?) or a Red Tiger Lotus plant....Like this, I had one & It has grown into 3 so far, Hi have a Tri Tiger Lotus too...

Those are pretty!

yup they are the ones might are around double the size of these

Yeah.. Mine are stunted, even in a co2 tank, I have not gotten it right as to how much to bury the corm/tuber..Great plants, a friend has them with the correct growth, They get way bigger than mine have..

Mooo wrote:

Yeah.. Mine are stunted, even in a co2 tank, I have not gotten it right as to how much to bury the corm/tuber..Great plants, a friend has them with the correct growth, They get way bigger than mine have..

do not use co2 used to but not now
I feed with Flourish excel

I was told today buy a friend who grows them, they like to be buried deep, no wonder mine are struggling, mine are close to the surface of gravel...So will have to replant or just tip more gravel around them...