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Low light plants for new aquarist? Cycling atm

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  majerah1 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi guys, new around here and currently cycling my new 30 gallon tank with fish in. Unknowingly jumped/got thrown in to having 12 guppies right off the hop when cycling my tank (family member trying to downsize said it would be fine lol). Tank was up for 3 days empty running, then 7 so far with the guppies and doing daily 30% or so changes to keep things well for them. Reason i include this info is that i am wondering what perimeters a low light starter plant or two would need?

Currently my tests show no ammonia, .8 nitrites, and only 5 nitrates before my last water change. I think PH is 7.5. Hard to tell exact colour matches of my nutrafin liquid tests. So do the plants need high nitrates? Or what do they need to live well? I dont want to add a couple plants and have them die and further increase the water issues for my fish. I havent taken out the light, but it is likely the stock florescent tube so i may be upgrading that to whatever the best option would be in the stock housing. Timer set to be on 10 hours a day, no direct light from windows. Regular decorative gravel

Thanks in advance, guys! So much stuff to learn :D

 
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#2 ·
The light will need to be in the right spectrum, 5000-10000k. Anywhere in there is good. Good plants are java fern or moss, crypts, anubias. There are a few more out there that will tolerate low light levels. Plants do not need "high" nitrates, but some nitrates is better than none. However, with lower light levels they will not use up nitrates to anything noticeable. Typically, the higher the light level, the higher rate of usage of available nutrients.
 
#3 ·
Anarchis are best for eating up nitrites.new name elodia.

Low light plants. Anubias and java fern are on the list. Anubias are pricy because they grow slowly. They also live long and are not seen as food by most herbiverous fish. A giant plus. I've had the displeasure of buying plants only to have them chomepd within weeks by fish looking for a tasty treat. You really need to look up the palnts your fish love to eat, and those they do not, and stick with the do not list. Light, low or high will not save a plant if your fish wants to eat it.
 
#4 ·
Wisteria, watersprite, hygrophila polysperma are all some that will also do well in lower light levels. They are good beginner plants that help fill in the back drop.
 
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