Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-28-2003 04:58 AM         

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I am thinking about putting real live plants in my aquarium but dont know much about it or where to begin. Anyone have any suggestions as to what would be the best 'beginner' plant to try? What do I plant it in?
Cheers!

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Posts: 183
From:austin,tx, usa
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 11-28-2003 08:15 AM         

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I would try the sword plants. amazon sword, melon sword, that type. they get quite large and full with little or no care, and the fish LOVE them.

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Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-28-2003 09:48 AM         

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thanks Dianenm...
What did you plant your sword plants in? Did you need any fertilizer and is this safe for all fish?

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Posts: 183
From:austin,tx, usa
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 11-28-2003 10:37 AM         

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my swords have always grown well without any fertilizer. so much so that at least once a year I have to divide them and plant them elsewhere because they get so bushy. I keep them with all fish, though sometimes cichlids and my lobster will eat them, but because they grow so fast, I don't mind. I have had bad luck with plants except for the swords and wendtii. warning- apple snails love to eat wendtii, but they will grow back from the rhizome (root).
good luck!
I forgot to mention, water sprite is also good, especially just left to float on the surface of the tank. baby fish love this to hide in and it also helps prevent algae, as well as great for improving water quality.

[This message has been edited by dianenm (edited 11-28-2003).]

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From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-28-2003 11:15 AM         

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THANKS
I have written these name down so that the next time I go to the aquarium store, I will pick a couple up and see how it goes!... I am not as ambivilant about trying the plants anymore- and I think my fish desperatley need some live plants, the fake ones dont seem to be a huge hit. Besides, I would like the aquarium to look as natural as possible.
One more question...what do you plant the plants in?...just the gravel? I need something different on the bottom dont I?

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Posts: 183
From:austin,tx, usa
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 11-28-2003 11:24 AM         

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I just cram em down in the gravel and use some river rocks around the bases of the plants, to help hold them down. nothing fancy ; )
I find my bottom feeder and algae guys like a large rock to lay on as well as my tall piece of driftwood to perch upon and the holes to swim through and rest in (sold at petco). around here petsmart has the best plants for the money.. but their stock varies throughout the year.

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Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-28-2003 11:42 AM         

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will let you know how it goes...I will probably buy the plants this week-end. We have a petsmart here aswell, although I have only been there a few times for my dog. There are a few places around me that I will try- maybe even call first.
I have recently added a peice of driftwood. Someone on here gave me advice about boiling it first--which I did and it hasnt caused any problems. I am amazed at the size of rocks I had to use to anchor it down as it floats a great deal. I bought plectos and cory cats yesterday and they really seem to like the wood.

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