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Originally Posted by obscbyclouds
Glad you're trying a planted tank! I think you'll find it rewarding (not to mention beautiful). As SweetTee says the anacharis doesn't need to be planted in the substrate at all. You can use plant weights or a rock and fishing line to keep them in line if you want them to be that way. Or you can plant it if you want, it's a really hardy plant and will grow either way.
There are literally tons of hygrophlia's, so if the know the scientific name of it we can tell you more. Generally though they need to be planted in the substrate because they have root systems. Also, google PlantGeek, as there is an amazing amount of knowledge there regarding different species.
As a side note, anacharis is a fast growing plant that is a great absorber of nutrients.
10,000k lights should be ok, as you are using T5's, but 6500 or 6700 are want plants really want. Also, if you aren't injecting CO2, with T5's you may have algae issues. How many bulbs are you using? Are they 24"?
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I'll find the scientific name of the hygrophlia I was looking at. I do plan to use CO2 some where down the line but not just yet. I want to get my feet wet first. Then after I get a working knowledge and the hang of it I'll move up to a bigger tank. Question what other substrate can I use insted of gravel? Or will the root system of the hygrophlia be hurt or even die? As far as the bulbs go there will be two 28watt 24" T5's and to add some color I was thinking about maybe one bulb for atinic. Or am I looking at this wrong? I know in a salt water tank 10k's have a yellow hue to them, is it the same way for fresh water? If not I won't need any atinic and just go with the 65 or 6700 bulbs.
I like the fish line idea I can already see it, it will look like it just hanging in mid air(water) in the middle of the tank. That bring me to another question, will I need to add a power head or two? Is flow as important in a fresh water tank as it is in a salt water tank?