Planning new aquarium-advice needed on plant according to tank setup

[Luthien4]

Hi everyone,

My betta, Otis, is currently in a Marina Betta Pals tank kit. I'm planning on buying a new 2.5 or 5 gallon aquarium this week and really want to have a live plant (first time and the tank will be bare bottom with no filter).

I like the 2.5 mini bow with the light but the aquarium's location will have access to only one socket (sharing a surge protector with two modems plugged in). I plan to buy a heater also but will most likely need it just for the summer months whenever someone goes crazy with the A/C. XD

So any suggestions for plants that will not need strict lightning requirements. My bedroom has only one window set high facing west so the strongest sunlight is in the late afternoon. I do have some glass marbles I can weigh down the plant if need be.

Thanks

[peachesxo]

anubias are super easy and you should always have a heater to keep the temp consitent

[Alex09]

Java fern, Anubias, Java Moss. These plants are low light and very hardy. Google these and you'll come up with tons of info on their care.

[wallywestisthebest333]

You could use a lamp near the tank as a light source as well. =] This opens up other plants such as Anacharis, Wisteria, and Water Sprite.

But yeah sticking to Java fern, Anubias, and Java moss are the best idea for now. =] They wont grow really quickly without a lot of light but they're definitely a LOT safer than plastic and silk plants! =]

[LittleBettaFish]

Crypts are also a really great low-light plant. However, their leaves will 'melt' initially, and will do so if there are massive swings in water parameters or their roots are disturbed.

Mine are in tanks that receive minimal natural light and all I have is some root tabs crushed up and spread around their roots. They've been in there for about a week and I can already see them throwing off new leaves.

I have never had much luck with Java Moss, and I found Java Ferns need more attention in the form of a consistent light schedule and fertiliser dosing to really thrive. However, my Anbuias are practically indestructible. I have had an Anubias Coffefolia triple in size since I bought it with basically no light and minimal fertiliser dosing.

Direct natural sunlight is very strong though, and so you may have to filter it a bit to prevent an algae outbreak, particularly with such slow-growers.