Back to Planted...

**dnsfpl** · 21st Aug 2009, 16:05

dear bros

decide to setup a planted tank in my office but first, i will need your help in clearing my newbie queries

tank information
size 2 x 1 x 1 feet - light pl 36w - temperature 22 to 26 degree(air con room)
desire look

intend to go low tech with low maintenance, lights on 6 hours a day, no co2 & fert supplement

1. can anyone recommend me some hardy plants suitable to place within the rocks as show in the picture?

2. where can i purchase this kind of rocks? how much will they cost roughly?

3. is ada/gex soil necessary for this kind of setup? or any black sand will do?

4. can i go without any filter? intend to keep CRS/RCS or some small fish. will there be enough oxygen for the lifestock?

your input will be much appreciated

thanks for viewing

**Shadow** · 21st Aug 2009, 17:25

1) I would recommend moss tie on the rock, only the top side
2) First time I seen this type of rock... so dark
3) not necessary as long as you did not plant any foreground plant. You can add fert tablet under those big grass plant on the right
4) hmm... not recommended without filter, maybe can never try

**seanskye** · 21st Aug 2009, 17:49

I love your tank!!!

**dnsfpl** · 21st Aug 2009, 17:49

1) i don't intend to keep moss, are there any other plants i can consider beside ferns and nana? requirement is hardy and low light with no co2 & fert

2) -

3) i don't intend to keep any rooted plants, but understand that ada/gex soil stabilize pH. is it really necessary if my purpose is just to stable the pH?

4) how about OHF in planted tanks?

thanks

**vinz** · 21st Aug 2009, 18:51

I was going to suggest Cryptocorynes, but they won't grow well between the rocks. I can only think of Java ferns and Anubias that will grow wedged in rocks.

Alternatively, consider a mound of soil covered with the rocks, but with some gaps in between them, filled with gravel and plant a short creeper like hairgrass... they should creep and grow between the rocks.

**thomas_seah** · 22nd Aug 2009, 00:37

those plants within the rocks can do without any extra fert. but need more light in the tank, i have 1 with me now for few months, my friend told me it called NANA and you can get it from any LFS easily. it always tie with driftwood for sale. by the way, they are waterplant but not underwater plant.
the black sand is kind of artificial stuff, you can get from plaza singapura basement LFS.

filter is a must especially at night the plants will take in oxygen and cause your CRS a hard time.

i was a interior designer, the rocks look like black marble to me. you can try your luck at building material suppliers.

all the best,
thomas