Planted Tank Planning

[Othalis]

Hi there,

I've compiled a list of plants to be used in the tank I'm planning for the near future. The tank is 250L (approximately) but it could be a bit less though. Below is a aerial view of what I'm planning with this tank:

http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo311/Othalis/AquariumPlants.png
If I don't find the Algae Balls or the Spatterdock, I'll be adding more Anubia instead.

Views, comments and recommendations please? :)

[Othalis]

Some pictures of the plants I want to use:


Hemianthus callitrichoides:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/hcallitrichoides.jpg



Cardinal plant:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/lobelia.jpg



Microsword:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/lbrasiliensis.jpg



Anubias nana:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/anana.jpg



Spatterdock:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/njaponica2.jpg



Algae balls:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/cladophora.jpg



Giant Hygro:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/gianthygro.jpg



Primrose:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/repens2.jpg



Java fern:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/mpteropus2.jpg



Java moss:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/javamoss.jpg



Lace java fern:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/lacewood.jpg



Moneywort:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/Bmonerii.jpg



Corkscrew Val / Contortionist Val:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/corkscrew.jpg


http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/contval.jpg



Asian Ambulia:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/ambulia4.jpg



Giant Bacopa:
http://www.plantgeek.net/images/plantpics/Bcaroliniana2.jpg

[solex69]

All looks good, but I won't go with the algae balls....I just don't like the look. I am also not a fan of vallis, but, you and I are different, so go with what you want :)

Cheers
Dale

[Othalis]

Thanks Dale.

I like the look of the Algae Balls but I doubt I'll be able to find any in South Africa. Have never seen them here before... The Vallisneria will serve just a backdrop curtain for the Ambulia. The Ambulia will be the main focus IMO but I don't think it grows as dense so I just want something behind it to compliment it.

Now I need a retailer who'll be able to help me find of all these when I do have everything ready for the tank. Most LFS's I know are usually not very helpful when it comes to plants... :(

Oh and on the topic of substrate. I bought some very fine silica sand (+/- 1mm) from a hardware shop. It's quite a light coloured silica sand and I think it's going to look very nice with the proposed setup. I'll post some pictures of the sand over the weekend. Would've liked to use river sand for this tank as well but it's just too much work to sift and wash.

In terms of substrate underneath the silica sand cap, what should I look at? I want a minimal maintenance and high lifespan substrate e.g. 12+ months. Recommendations?

[Dolphin]

Othalis not to worry! I import most of those species... Check in at my Forum for announcements of visit my website at www.qualityaquariums.co.za (from after next Wednesday) for updates on arrivals.you should also consider Alternanthera species (perhaps Lilacina) (except philoxeroides) - it makes a nice addition of color...note that some of your species are now prohibited for import so you will need to revise the selection once you start purchasing...

[Othalis]

Hi Dolphin, thanks for the response. Where are you based? Do you have a retail shop or only online?

I've got quite a bit of planning ahead of me, especially with the endeavor I undertook by wanting to buy an all-in-one solution. Today's experience changed my mind entirely and I want to do a DIY setup rather from front to back. But that's for different topic though. I'll start a new thread for it because it'll be much more work than I initially planned on doing.

[Dolphin]

Hi Dolphin, thanks for the response. Where are you based? Do you have a retail shop or only online?

I've got quite a bit of planning ahead of me, especially with the endeavor I undertook by wanting to buy an all-in-one solution. Today's experience changed my mind entirely and I want to do a DIY setup rather from front to back. But that's for different topic though. I'll start a new thread for it because it'll be much more work than I initially planned on doing.

Our shop is online... we're situated in Sandton. Looking forward to seeing your DIY thread!

[Scaly]

Hey Dolphin are getting any Microsword? Also on my wish list is LAce java fern...let me know.

Just a note on the Hemianthus callitrichoides. Mine was doing well until I change lighting... It slowly died and made a huge mess!!!

[solex69]

@othalis - If you're using fine silica sand, no need to put anything underneath it. Silica sand on its own is just magic for plants. If you really want to stick something underneath, get some iron nails and bury a few deep in the sand...your plants will love you for it

Cheers
D