Second Tank Advice

Hello all.

I am trying my hand at a planted tank low tech.
If successful I will then focus on scaping etc (learn to crawl before running)

I have no knowlege about plants but decided to wing it.

2 foot tank
2x10w 6000k floodlights
Seachem Flourite Dark

Some plants that I need help to identify and also advice on caring/nurturing/growing.
I have Scape Complete and have just started 1 squirt a day but not sure if I should be dosing this tank.

Can we start by helping me identify these:


Let me know if I should take closer pics of individual plants.

Thanks in advance.
(Noob) Adam

 

Some closer pics:

 

Nice looking angel you have there. The plant in the front left is cobra grass . The one at the front right is an amazon sword I think. The tall stem one is hygrophilia coryambosa (again I think) and I think the other one is pearl weed. While I have kept plants for year I have never actually bothered to learn their names so I am mostly guessing

 

The front left grass looks like Lilaeopsis brasiliensis to me, i have quite a bit of this plant its really slow growing in a low energy setup

 

Pic was taken before top up
Tank is filled right to the top

 

yep, looks like Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, pearl weed (carpeting one with tiny leaves) and an Amazon sword variety

Here is a great link for Amazon sword care https://www.tropicalfishcareguides.com/aquarium-plants/amazon-sword/
they are heavy root-feeders and a great plant to have if your tank is densely stocked-they thrive on fish poo. You will need to supplement this one with root tabs and i will grow huge.

 

Thanks for this.
Appreciate it.

 

Hi, what root tabs are recommended?
I am in Durbs so would appreciate if anyone can tell me where I can get some.

 

A suggestion, remove the seachem and replace with something like langa. Will actually work out cheaper and more beneficial in the long run. Compared to root tabs

Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

 

Ok.
So today I got another 3 foot tank
I have decided to set this up as my planted tank and use the 2 foot to maybe allow the Angels to breed.

So it's basically a blank canvas now with the contents of the 2 foot pictured above
ie. Flourite Dark, driftwood, plants.

I am just starting out so will definately stick to low tech.

I'm thinking of using "@A new days" system of using containers to house the flourite and covering with either pfs or maybe some other black gravel.
It would be a shame to dump out the expensive flourite and buy Langa - should i?

I'm not sure what to do
Help?

 

Fluorite has a high cec value - meaning it has the ability to absorb nutrients onto itself and then release them again later. In this way it can be remineralized when required. I am not sure of Langa as I have never used it. If you want to grow easy plants without CO2 I would use what you have. If you decide that you love planted tanks/want to try aquascaping then you can look into getting a specialized substrate. Fluorite is already a specialized substrate but what I am trying to say is first use what you have and see how much you enjoy it before investing more into it.

 

Hello all.

Been busy setting up my 3 foot.

Thus far I am here:

 

Livestock:
1x Paradise Gourami
+- 20 Neons
1x Pakistani Loach
1x Hill Stream loach
2x Black Widows

 

They've laid and eaten the eggs (again)

 

I have been using flourite red for a couple of years and find it a great substrate . Carpeting plants like Monte carlo wont spread because of the coarse substrate . The best suited carpeting plant for flourite I fin is S.repens ,however you have to cut and plant each piece in the beginning once it takes it fills out nicely . You might want to add a bit more in the future . Good luck !!

 

I know all girls say that but....I'd love to see more wood . Agreed on the fluorite. Its a nice substrate and if you can get hold of some oscmocote tabs, larger quantities are cheaper. Tank looks great. Good luck. I dont know anyone in Durbs who sell it though.