my 3rd go at my 2.5

the moss will grow nice, though the other plants would grow much better if you used a planting substrate.

i've never used a planting substrate, and the java fern in my 10 gallon is going crazy

Planting substrates like Eco-Complete, Aquasoil, etc aren't necessary if you are growing epiphytic plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Bolbitis, moss, etc.

Charlie

yeah i wasn't planning on getting substrate

How do you like the Whisper 3i internal? I had some problems w/ mine
-starting to wonder if I got a defected one.

Awesome looking nano.

it's fine, it's not my favorite filter in the world, but it does it's job. keeps floating crap out of the way.
it is a bit loud though...

Might try ramping up the gravel on one end. And get you a nano filter HOB. Its a good start! Well done!

chaz

what's a nano filter hob

While you are correct that Java ferns do not need a planting type substrate, they also do MUCH better if you dont burry their rhizome (the area that the roots and leaves grows from that looks like a green branch). Java Ferns do much better when attached to a piece of wood or a rock. They WILL grow with the rhizome buried, but not as well.

A nano hob is a very small hang on back filter, like the AZOO palm filter. They are great little HOB filters. For a tank with all slow growers you dont need a super high concentration of Co2 so they will do just fine.

yeah the one java fern is attached to the wood as you can see. i have one that grew like CRAZY in my 10, at least 1.5-2 times as big as when i got it now that i attempted to bury, though i may not have, which might explain its growth.
any suggestions for a good nano filter?