Accidental Planted Aquarium

**fishyfishfish7** · 16th Nov 2009, 08:04

So I have a few tanks and I have always wanted to do a planted aquarium but i haven't had enough money to get everything I need for it.
However, In one tank, a little 1 gallon with 2 cherry platys (overcrowded I know) and a fake plant and some rainbow gravel and as of a couple days ago a little sprout in the corner. I don't know how it got there, but it is rooted in the rainbow stuff. My only ideas are that it came from spores on the fish.
So i think it's cool and awesome and I was wondering, first naturally if there are any other possibilities for it's arrival, and then, if one plant can figure out how to live in the tank, can others?
here are some pics of the little guy.
thanks for the help

http://s269.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=IMG_0469.jpg

http://s269.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=IMG_0470.jpg

**Jungle-mania** · 16th Nov 2009, 08:33

Well, there are many ways to go about starting a planted aquarium on the cheap. Search on local forums in your area for free or cheap deals on glass tanks and lighting, make sure the lighting are for planted tank, I generally stick to PL or T5 lighting to be on the safe side, I am cautious with the use of FL lighting even when the shops tell me otherwise.

You can also scout for second hand filters and used fertilisers and other stuff too, just be patient.

Second, go to your local yard to get river sand or dark colour pebbles (about 3mm to 5mm) and rocks. Do an acid test on the rock with vinegar to check it alkalinity, if it fizzles, it is too alkaline, get another.

Look for wood in the dry river beds, the more branches the better. At the same time, you can look for local aquatic plants in your local area or see if people are willing to offer free cuttings to you online.

You might want to get a black board for the back of your tank, non shiny ones are the preferred choice for beginners.

Lastly, read more on this forum and others to get an idea of a scape you want. I recommend focusing on one point of the tank as your focal point to keep your scape simple for a start.

**fishyfishfish7** · 16th Nov 2009, 08:46

so any chance of continuing plant life in the 1 gallon?

**Xianghao** · 16th Nov 2009, 09:55

I'm sure you could start low-tech low maintenance with small plants tied on drift wood such as java moss or nanas. You could also tie java mosses on pieces of wood they grow well even in minimal light conditions. beware planted tanks are addictive though, and for planted tank enthusiasts, their fish soon become the 'decoration' added to complement your plants.

**Xianghao** · 16th Nov 2009, 09:58

here are some links to poison your mind:
http://img19.imageshack.us/i/woodk.jpg/
http://www.aquascapingworld.com/gall...2_IMG_2736.jpg
http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/...pm_bc6d4cb.jpg

**fishyfishfish7** · 16th Nov 2009, 10:33

Yes I have become addicted already, just went out and bought a little nana. Sadly this will not be my last plant I purchase this year. As soon as I get my 5 gallon Marineland Eclipse in a few weeks i can fully explore what planted aquariums have to offer. Thanks for all the help i'll post back soon with an update on my rainbow turf forest.

**Xianghao** · 17th Nov 2009, 00:34

lol i see you have outgrown your nano tank rather fast..

**stormhawk** · 19th Nov 2009, 04:03

Now why does that small plant look like a beansprout to me?

Funny that it made it into the tank in the first place. Could have been lying dormant amongst the gravel pieces.

**mozaqua** · 19th Nov 2009, 05:14

I used to grow a Marble Sword plant in a 9 Liter tall

Also had some hairgrass and some others can't remember. But it looked best with just the one big plant.

**Jungle-mania** · 21st Nov 2009, 09:17

One way of really doing up your 1 gallon tank fast, is to get a really good strong LED light, a small HOF filter, a small pack of nutrient rich soil and grow a bunch of Vallisneria spiralis in the centre. Give it a month, the effect is quite amazing. I never got the idea of growing such a large plant in a small tank will pull off such nice effect under those lighting and you will have a nice conversation piece in your living room.