OK, maybe I just had one great experience and only know one vendor that has
surpassed my expectations as the result of my limited experience. I have no
ties with this company other than I made a single purchase.
Talk to Phyl. (
http://www.trueaquariumplants.com). Call her, talk to her,
tell her what fish you have and what you are looking for.
I wanted to plant a goldfish tank (why I would want to undertake such a
Sisyphean task I am still grappling with). She knows her plants, fish, and
is REALLY generous with her definition of "bunch". I am convinced that I
saved a chunk of cash in the long run. Here is a picture of my 29G tank days
after introducing the plants she sent me as part of a $35US "goldfish
package". The plants were not yet settled in and rooting, but so far, all is
working as advertised.
http://home.surewest.net/chet/tank2.jpg
I heartily recommend making the call.
chet
"Tedd" wrote in message
...
i have two tanks that are about to finish their nitrogen cycles, now i
have
high nitrates. i have a few plants (two types) but i have no idea what
they
are, i had got them because 1.) i heard they would help with the cycling
and
2.) to give the fish something to nibble on.
my tap source water is 0 ppm nitrate.
15 gal (US):
ammonia 0 ppm
nitrite .25 ppm
nitrate 80-160 ppm
pH 7.4
temp 78 (F)
population;
1 med angelfish
1 neon dwarf gourami
1 sunset platy
3 african dwarf frogs
20 gal (US):
ammonia 0 ppm
nitrite .25 ppm
nitrate 40 ppm
pH 7.4
temp 80 (F)
population;
3 green tiger barbs
1 fire sunset platy
2 african dwarf frogs
the plants i have in there now *seem* to be doing fine, (they are growing)
one is a floating viney type plant with a multitude of blade type leaves
that come directly off the stem, each plant is a single stem that has
grown
to about 12-14 inches (36-40 cm) with 3 stems floating in each tank. the
other plant is set into my substrate of the 15 gal. and has multiple stems
with small 1/4 inch (1 cm) broad leaves. this one seems to have *roots*
growing out at places where the stems diverge. height is apx 6 inches (15
cm).
what is the best "beginners" plants to have and where should i read up for
more information, and what is the best way to control nitrogen levels.
TIA,
tedd.