Live plants in a Fw aquarium?
 

I was wondering if anyone could give me any information if it is worth having any life plants in an aquarium or does it just make a mess:question:

No, live plants are the best. They help clean the water and provide O2 for the fish.
Just building a 50 G planted tank right now.

IMO, having live plants in a freshwater tank is like having a fuge. They are the best thing going for nutrient export ect...Just make sure you keep them pruned as they grow. If you leave any dying parts of them in the tank, you will see a nitrate spike for sure, maybe even ammonia depending how much biological filtration you have & if it can keep up. When I used to keep freshwater tanks, I would run an oversized filter(ie:xp3 on a 55gal) with lots of biological media and lots of plants. My tanks were always low maintenence, they almost took care of themselves. Now all I have to do is figure out how to make my reef that easy!:biggrin:

i have an aquaclear 110 going for my big tank with those bio rings, guess i am going plant shopping today, thanks for the input

I recommend checking out web forums on keeping plant tanks to learn from other people's mistakes instead of making all the mistakes yourself. Believe me I have made plenty. Plant tanks work great when done right but there are a lot of pitfalls.

Basically you need to learn about lighting, substrate, nutrient fertilization, and CO2.

Do not waste money on plants at a fish store. Buy plants from other hobbyists. Most plant tank people prune out a bucketful of plants every week. You will save money.

I think it important to differentiate between adding plants to an aquarium for function(ie; nutrient export, a more natural balance & look ect...) and a "Planted Tank"(ie;plants being the main theme of the tank involving special substrates, CO2 injection and so on) If you just want to add a few plants for function, IMO, I wouldn't worry too much about making big mistakes. Based on my past experience, I would make the following recomendations for a "function" plant tank. You don't need it but, a fine substrate will grow plants much better that gravel. Make your plant selection based on your water chemistry and lighting. For example, if you keep fish that favor a low ph, select a plant that will grow in low ph-java fern does really well in acidic water and lower light. A comunity tank with a neutral ph will grow others well. I highly recomend Amazon sword for a neutral to somewhat acid water. I don't have any recomendations for high ph because I never kept fish that favored those conditions. Also, check with others in your area to see what does well in your local water. I would also add some fertilizer suppliment once in a while-I recomend the kent freshwater plant fertilizer. You don't need it all the time, the idea here is for your plants to grow on the nitrates from your fish. The fertilizer will replace the micro-nurients they don't get from your fish. And lastly, make sure your fish are plant safe-I don't need to explain that one! A"planted tank" is another story, so certainly do your research beforehand if that's what your doing.

i would like to thank all of you for very in depth responses, i am new to this website and am really enjoying it. i did go out and buy some plants today.

and i couldn't help myself i bought two more sharks lol
a red tail shark and a bala shark

planted tank
 

http://www.plantedtank.net/
The above link is a good site for planting info. and ideas .........
..........Dave

Live Plants
 

We have live plants in most of our aquariums and with the right lighting they are awesome!

We grow Vals, anubias, java fern, java moss, najas grass, amazon swords, lotus plants, wisteria and hygrophila.

You could save a few dollars if you purchase a two bulb shop light from your local hardware store and hang it over your aquarium. Be sure to use "plant" light bulbs. However, if you can afford high intensity lighting that is best.

Be sure your fish are compatible with your plants. Cichlids and goldfish will quickly consume your new purchases

Dave