Need Help with Plants (Beginner)

[masoud100]

Ok Currently I got a 50-55 gallon tank and have it planted. I have some Java Fern, Valliseneri (I think thats how its spelled) and another plant (not sure what it is but I think a family of crypto) which is doing great. I want to add a couple of amazon swords and maybe 1-2 mosimo balls. I currently have 2 T5HO lighting but no Co2 and dont plan on buying CO2 kit. I might get rid of the Java Fern and Valliserni because I dont like how they look compared to Amazon Swords.

My question is what stuff should I dose my plants with to make them excel? Because I dont know much about dosing chemicals for plants nor the frequency to do it. So can someone show me some epecific products, etc I usually shop at Big Als, Petsmart but can also go to La Niche.

[daworldisblack]

Amazon swords, crypts and vals are all root feeders. You need root tabs for them. As for water column dosing, you could dose Flourish and Flourish Trace. I think thats what some other low-tech planted folks have been using. Watch that the lighting isn't too much if you are not planning on dosing co2 ( there is the liquid option - Flourish Excel btw ) as that could lead to algae issues. You can raise the light higher it you get algae issues initially to see if that helps. 

[masoud100]

Ok I currently have the Fluorite Excel (liquid) and I keep getting algea on my glass is that the reason?

What does water column dosing mean?

So would I need root tabs and Flourite Excel (thats it?) How long should my lights be on for? How about frequency of dosing?

[Fishnut]

As a bit of a backround to those who are reading this, there's another thread involving this guy's aquarium:

http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=54675.0

[daworldisblack]

If you have algae issues then yes that could mean that there is too much light since you dont dose fertilizer nor co2. The liquid Flourish Excel is a co2 substitute but are you following the directions? Water column dosing is what you referred to as "dosing chemicals for plants" - its dosing the water with ferts. If you are going the low-tech route, perhaps try raising the lights higher and keep your photo-period to 6-8 hours maybe? Start with 6 first and then increase the photo period if you don't see algae. If you are keeping the Java Fern, i'd recommend the Flourish Comprehensive and Flourish Trace since that plant gets nutrients from the water column, not the substrate - Java Fern is not planted into the substrate.

There may be others who'll chime in with their personal experiences but I followed the directions on the bottles pretty much and did fine - then I made a jump to high-tech.

[masoud100]

How much does hi-tech cost you?

[charlie]

How much does hi-tech cost you?

Masud, high tech can be more problems if you don`t have a firm understanding of the relationship of light ,Plants & Nutrients, not trying to deter you but it`s a harder balance than a low tech. set up.
My advise to you is continue researchig the relationship of Light,Plants & Nutrients while mastering a low tech tank before going that route, you will be much happier in the long run.
Regards

[charlie]

This sticky is a good starting point for research,
http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=35307.0
Regards

[exv152]

... I currently have 2 T5HO lighting but no Co2 and dont plan on buying CO2 kit...

Like Rah and Errol are saying you can dose tabs and liquid fertilizer. The best liquid fert available imo is the seachem flourish comp. But your lighting is definitely too strong for your setup. You can raise the fixture above the tank maybe 12 inches but I think you'll find the algae issues will persist. If you don't want to invest in CO2 then I'd recommend reducing the fixture from two to one bulb for now, and fertilize once a week.

[76brian]

your lighting is definitely too strong for your setup. You can raise the fixture above the tank maybe 12 inches but I think you'll find the algae issues will persist.

Interesting! Don't want to thread jack here, but I also have a T5HO fixture. It's a quad lamp but I only have 2 in it. I was planning on using it on a 50 gal, and assumed 78w (1.56 wpg) would be fine.

What about placing a layer of fiberglass window screen between the lamp and tank (or between the lamp and reflector)?

[masoud100]

Ok after looking at the sticky and reading aabout lighting it says I should strive for 2WPG. Well I cant remember how many wats my light produce but I got two bulbs and I believe for my 50 gallon there is like close to 100Watts which make it 2WPG?

But say I have my both lights on for 4 hours a day and then later only keep 1 light on for another 3 hours should it be good. Should I get the Siamese and Chinease Algae eaters now in order to clean all my algae. I see my Red Tail Shark cleaning my tank.

[exv152]

The only thing about the WPG measurement is it's really easy to do, but it is not an accurate measurement of light intensity because of the different types of light bulbs out there. T8, T12, T5NO, T5HO, PC, etc are all different. Lighting is not like fertilizers where you can measure it by watts. PAR is the only way to properly measure light.

[masoud100]

@exv152 I just looked at your gallery and I see a picture of a 75 gallon planted tank with angelfish. Is that a co2 tank or just regular low planted tank. Because if its not a Co2 tank I want you to build my tank for me ASAP

[exv152]

Thanks, but that was a high tech tank with tons of co2, PC light and daily ferts. If you want to do low tech, check this guy's article out, it works well, I've used something similar on a 125g.http://www.sudeepmandal.com/hobbies/planted-aquarium/low-tech-planted-tank-guide/

[masoud100]

@exv152- Out of my whole time on this forum you have given me the best advice by showing me that link. I have learned a lot from reading that article. So now I am going to just use my 1 bulb from now on, and just a question. In the pictures on the article one of the plants that is short but looks like grass and is everywhere. What is that called I want it ASAP

[masoud100]

just checked my bulbs and they each are 54 watts. when I removed one from the fixture it would not light up winless I had both what tks do

[Peekay]

In that situation, some people hide the second bulb with foil over the plexi shield.  Just be careful of flammability! 
Alternatively, a different light.  Aquatic life fixtures work with only one bulb in.  (That's what I have)

[charlie]

Hello Masoud, as a beginner in planted tanks you have taken the right steps by asking questions, especially on this forum, as you have discovered there are  a lot of folks in the planted tank niche who is willing to help, some will help on line & others are gracious to actually show you their tanks & guide you, i highly encourage you to grab the opportunity of seeing as much tanks in person & chat with the owners, if you are like me you will learn a lot more that way & have a better tool box to decide what type of planted tank you would like  try.
BTW i`m one such person that can show you my set ups & have a good chat one on one.
Welcome to OVAS you are in good company
Regards

[masoud100]

Thank you charlie. The article that was posted on this thread regarding low tech plant setups it says to fill your aquarium with fast growing low tech stem plants. Can you please show me what plants to get and from where. So I can go and buy the plants. As I would like to have my tank plant setup done by Tuesday latest and also before that buy a T5H0 bulb with lower wats in the 25 and under range.

[exv152]

Thank you charlie. The article that was posted on this thread regarding low tech plant setups it says to fill your aquarium with fast growing low tech stem plants. Can you please show me what plants to get and from where. So I can go and buy the plants...

Hygrophila is a really easy plant to grow and doesn't demand a lot of light. If you call around the local stores they may have some in stock. I started with this plant a few years back and I still use it today, great beginner plant.