Need help 1st 10g planted tank!

[daygoboiz]

Stock 10 gal tank from petco for $60 with hood light, filter and heater!

Upgrade to[censored]Aquari-Lux T8 Bulb 18" 15W

Malaysia Driftwood medium
Dwaft sags
Hygrophila balsamica
Ludwigia[censored]
Water grass[censored]
Water lily bulbs (rightside of tank)

5 fancy guppies, 2 Cory, 6 Rummynose Tetras

[daygoboiz]

Any suggestion comment to improve pl let me know.

[dasob85]

I love what you've done with the wood! I almost thought it was a rock with that placement though

if I may make a suggestion though, the part of the wood that juts up is just a bit too centered.

[LB79]

Shift the wood a touch to the right, the background plants a touch to the left, and the sword in the foreground to the back. Otherwise, absolutely fantastic start!

[daygoboiz]

Thanks! Is my lighting good enough? And I'm planing to get some kind of carpet any suggestion?

[JMex]

This is a really good start! Especially for your first planted tank. You could try some marsilea minuta for foreground.

[daygoboiz]

What's a good place to get marsilea would you know?

[LB79]

You might try the Swap'n'shop here, Aquabid, or Aquariumplants.com for Marsilia spp. You might also want to get into liquid ferts (I use Seachem's line) and DIY CO2. That'll make your plants really take off. Those swords have emersed leaves. These will die back as new ones (that can survive underwater) grown in. Leave the runners on as these will produce new plants. The best of luck to you!

[daygoboiz]

Update DIY co2, and corys got 2 batch of eggs looking for foreground plants

[boolz]

You definitely need more light if you are trying to grow a carpet. Also what substrate are you using? and filter? DIY CO2 can be a pain to automate, have you found any solution? I use a c02 regulator by Aquatek, they work great but then you also need to invest in a CO2 source and CO2 diffuser. Marsilea is a great choice for a carpet, you can also go with hairgrass, baby tears, micro swords, or glossostigma. They all need strong lights and at least 3bbl/sec CO2. Success growing a carpet and avoiding algae is determined by good filtration, fertilization, good maintenance (trimming and water changes), and the right balance of light and CO2. Get some nerite snails and amanos, maybe ottos. They help a lot