Considering my tank's setup - bare-bottom discus tank, no fertilisers, and no liquid/injected CO2 - I'm on the hunt for some potted aquarium plants that'll thrive. The Aquasky 990mm is my lighting system of choice. I've already tried Valis, but unfortunately, it didn't make the cut in my aquarium.
What plants would you recommend for these conditions?
getting the best plant advice
Re: getting the best plant advice
To better understand your tank's conditions, can you please share the dimensions - length, width, and height?
While many plants will indeed struggle without fertilizers, there are ways to provide them with necessary nutrients without adding liquids to the tank or using CO2 injections. In my experience at an aquaculture facility, we had success with potted plants by adding fertilizers directly to the pots.
We've had great results growing various plants - including swords, crypts, Aponogetons, and water lilies - in plastic containers, typically 1 or 2 liters in size. To set this up, start by placing an inch of gravel at the bottom of the container. Next, spread a thin layer of granulated garden fertilizer over the gravel. Then, add a 1/4-inch thick layer of crushed, dried terracotta - this helps prevent the fertilizer from leaching into the water. Finally, cover the terracotta with more gravel.
Once you've planted your chosen aquatic plants in the gravel, their roots will eventually reach the fertilizer and terracotta, allowing them to thrive. To make the containers less noticeable, you can either smear silicon on the outside and attach gravel or sand, or simply let algae grow on them, turning the containers green over time.
While many plants will indeed struggle without fertilizers, there are ways to provide them with necessary nutrients without adding liquids to the tank or using CO2 injections. In my experience at an aquaculture facility, we had success with potted plants by adding fertilizers directly to the pots.
We've had great results growing various plants - including swords, crypts, Aponogetons, and water lilies - in plastic containers, typically 1 or 2 liters in size. To set this up, start by placing an inch of gravel at the bottom of the container. Next, spread a thin layer of granulated garden fertilizer over the gravel. Then, add a 1/4-inch thick layer of crushed, dried terracotta - this helps prevent the fertilizer from leaching into the water. Finally, cover the terracotta with more gravel.
Once you've planted your chosen aquatic plants in the gravel, their roots will eventually reach the fertilizer and terracotta, allowing them to thrive. To make the containers less noticeable, you can either smear silicon on the outside and attach gravel or sand, or simply let algae grow on them, turning the containers green over time.
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TankWarrior - Posts: 48
- Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2022 12:01 pm
Re: getting the best plant advice
Hey mark, when it comes to plants that'll thrive in most tank conditions, I'd recommend the following: Dwarf Water Lettuce, Anacharis, Water Sprite, and Hornwort. You'll also have luck with Java Fern, Anubias, most Sword plants, Colorata, Java Moss, and Moss balls.
For lighting, stick to the 5500-6500K range - that's roughly natural daylight, which works well for plants. Generally, 5500K is a good starting point. As for plant color, I'd advise against light green ones - they need stronger light. Darker green plants are your best bet, as they can handle lower light.
For lighting, stick to the 5500-6500K range - that's roughly natural daylight, which works well for plants. Generally, 5500K is a good starting point. As for plant color, I'd advise against light green ones - they need stronger light. Darker green plants are your best bet, as they can handle lower light.
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