[hrwynne]

Hi all,
I'm a complete newbie and just wanted to get some fish but also experiment a bit with some easy-to-grow plants in the tank. I got a 5 gallon tank with filter, lights (enough for low to medium light plants), and heater. I filled the bottom with Imagitarium black sand from Petco. Now I'm reading about beginner planted tanks and seeing that aquasoil is recommended. Should I take it all out and start over? I'm trying to be cost effective. Is there a way I can get some nutrients into the substrate I used using tabs? No idea what direction I should take, and I wanted to start adding some plants and hardscape.

Thank you!

 

[Sam the Slayer]

Hi all,
I'm a complete newbie and just wanted to get some fish but also experiment a bit with some easy-to-grow plants in the tank. I got a 5 gallon tank with filter, lights (enough for low to medium light plants), and heater. I filled the bottom with Imagitarium black sand from Petco. Now I'm reading about beginner planted tanks and seeing that aquasoil is recommended. Should I take it all out and start over? I'm trying to be cost effective. Is there a way I can get some nutrients into the substrate I used using tabs? No idea what direction I should take, and I wanted to start adding some plants and hardscape.

Thank you!

Stay with what you have substrate wise and maybe go with some root tabs or all in one liquid fert or both if the plants need it. A lot of plants will do fine with just fish waste depending on how many plants you go with. If your light can get medium strength then be sure to get a timer for it.


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[sbank]

If budget is a priority perhaps you should consider plants that don't get planted into substrate. Anubias, java ferns, mosses and some others are best off being attached to wood or rocks with either tying them or super glue gel. Some dealers even sell plants already attached. Floating plants are another good option and a little goes a long way in a nano tank(e.g. Red Roof Floaters or Frogbit)
Usually a good amount of plants added at the beginning will work better for controlling algae than just a couple. With a 5g, it won't take many. Look for images or youtube vids of 5g that you like and that will give you an idea of how many. The Green Aqua youtube channel has lots of amazing examples.
Be careful not to overstock with fish in a small tank. That will make things harder to get your tank happy. Good luck!