"Plant breeder" tank?

[BeefyG]

I'm thinking of doing a "plant breeder" 10 gallon tank which will be easier to provide proper lighting. Once the plants get big enough to split, I can transplant the extra plants to my big tanks and leave the "parent" plants in the 10 gallon. It will give me a bit more time to get my lighting right on my big tanks and provide some security if they all die after the transplants.

Has anyone tried this? Is it a good idea?

[kwc1974]

All the time. I currently am enlarging my "farm" tank to a 75 gallon

[BeefyG]

Will the plants get big enough to split in a 10 gallon?

[armthehomeless]

Most will. Yes.

[BeefyG]

Awesome. Thanks!

[kwc1974]

+1

most plants will be able to be housed in a 10 gallon tank. If you are just starting out I would recomend crypts, anubias, ferns and mosses. Some easy stems are great too.

[BeefyG]

+1

most plants will be able to be housed in a 10 gallon tank. If you are just starting out I would recomend crypts, anubias, ferns and mosses. Some easy stems are great too.

what about corkscrew valls? i think thats the name, but I like the way they look. I was thinking those, java moss, maybe HC and maybe amazon sword. Should I leave the last two out at first?

[armthehomeless]

corkscrew vals and moss sounds good. I'd nix the last two and head more towards crypts and ferns as kwc1974 mentioned.

[Mzungu]

Amazon swords aren't difficult, but they get pretty huge. :) I had one in my first 10g tank, and it quickly overtook it.

[kwc1974]

HC is a little high maintanece. Unless you are willing to invest to keep up with a high demand plant I would pass on if for now. Most sword plants do get big like Mzungu said. Some, chain swords in particular are low growers. I have one E. Agustafolia 'vesuvias' that only is getting about 8" in my tank and looks great. Simmilar to corkscrew valvs.

[Mzungu]

I have one E. Agustafolia 'vesuvias' that only is getting about 8" in my tank and looks great. Simmilar to corkscrew valvs.

BTW, I am PMing you after I move for one or two of these. :)

But yes, lots of swords are low maintenance, except they usually need a pretty large tank. :(

[BeefyG]

So I think i'll go with the corkscrew, java moss and java fern. I saw a pic online where HC looked like grass which I thought was cool but I don't want anything that requires a lot.

Can I get by with regular gravel? I had bought a 10 gallon with filter and gravel for my brother but he decided he's not ready for it (if ever) so it is gonna be my farm tank. Does it need the filter so that the water isn't stagnant? I have an air pump too if that would be better?

[Mzungu]

What kind of gravel is it? Just regular aquarium pea gravel?

If you can, try to find some Flourite. Or some AquaSoil. I know some was being sold on here just a bit ago...

A filter would be good. You probably don't want to use an air pump. I've done plants without a filter before, but each tank is different. So, I would put an HOB on there. I'm sure you can find a used Whisper or AquaClear here on HFB for a good price.

[BeefyG]

What kind of gravel is it? Just regular aquarium pea gravel?

If you can, try to find some Flourite. Or some AquaSoil. I know some was being sold on here just a bit ago...

A filter would be good. You probably don't want to use an air pump. I've done plants without a filter before, but each tank is different. So, I would put an HOB on there. I'm sure you can find a used Whisper or AquaClear here on HFB for a good price.

Yeah there is some flourite for sale for 20 a bag... how many bags do I need? I paid 20 for the tank, HOB filter, gravel, and metal stand so I was hoping to be able to get it going with just that. It is just regular white aquarium gravel though.

[BeefyG]

The tank is set up with gravel, rocks, and a coconut head. How long after adding plants can I add fish? They help with the cycling process right? I want to add three kuhli loaches to it. I'd also like to add a blue ram to it eventually. I have read that they need 20 gallons per pair or 30 if you have more than one male. Could I keep a single male in a planted 10 gallon with three kuhlies?