Sorry for the shortened version :’c I worked hard on what I wrote and it took forever, ughhh!
In short:
Get a natural colored gravel, they look nice! Lots of places have it, in many different kinds. Opt for two or more bags, theyre usually 5lbs each.
In a sorority, youre going to want LOTS of cover, which means shorter plants as well as very tall to stay safe at each height. Consider, too, getting a few very small terra cotta pots and hiding them out in the gravel.
I suggest getting a large piece of nice driftwood, but make sure its HARDWOOD and not something from your stream or backyard, as these will rot. Look for Mopani or Malaysian Driftwoods, which are sold in many places. Get a nice big one with interesting points if you can, so it can be a centerpiece for the tank’s middle. Many LFS as well as chain stores sell these types. Please do not get something made for reptiles, as theyre sometimes treated with things not meant for fish tanks.
Put the wood in the tank’s center, with the interesting bits jutting out.
I suggest these plants for the tank:
Ludwigia repens:
This is a nice plant that can grow to be quite tall, which is great for the sides and back of your tank. It allows for cover and protection for the fish while they go to get air. Be careful of the type, as some kinds are VERY challenging to grow.
Bacopa:
There are many many types of bacopa, so do some research and find what type suits your tank (in terms of light, temp, parameters), so it will live well in your tank. Some kinds can be tall, and should/could be placed around the sides and back of the tank, like above.
Moneywort:
This is a type of bacopa (monnieri) that looks very nice in tanks. It needs a little more care than some, but it is interesting and beautiful. Put it in much the same spots as above, especially behind the driftwood, for good effect.
Anubias:
Anubias will look lovley, and theyre EASSYYY to care for! Yeahhhh! There are many types, so find one that you like the look of. Anubias cannot be buried, so tether it to something instead with fishing line or string. Add to nooks and crannies on the wood for nice hiding and sleeping spots. It grows very slowly.
Java fern:
Like anubias, this is an easy, slow growing plant. It cant be buried and needs the same as above. Try tethering it to a river rock and burying the rock to make it look natural without killing the plant. Look for mature, large plants to put in the middle/sides of the tank or behind the wood. I got VERY large, beautiful ferns from sweetaquatics.com.
Java moss:
This is a great plant, which can make rocks and wood look natural and lush. Tie it to things with string or line and it will root in a few weeks. It will also spread in time all over the wood
Amazon swords:
Are a great focal point plant, though theyre tank busters. They can get very very big over time, with proper care (namely, co2, but without it, they have moderate and not scary growth
) Consider getting a sword and placing it near or to the side (more in the front) of the focal point of the tank. It needs a deeper substrate, so opt for at least 2-3 inches, better yet 3-4. It will need root tabs for fertilization once a month
J
Water wisteria:
This is a cute plant, I love it. It’s a little whiney sometimes if it didn’t grow up in the type of water you have, so prepare for some leaf-dropping. No big deal,though. Its attractive and flowery and provides great cover
Try planting very near, in front of and around/in back of the wood.
These plants will require a fertilizer, so consider getting Seachem excel or Aqueon’s plant food. I like both! The sword would need root tabs.
Getting some cute terra cotta pots that are small is also a good option. Bury them part ways (though enough to hide in) for a cheeky and adorable effect.
I recommend a good bulb for this tank, opt for 6500K for good growth!
You can also find lots of these types of plants in silk. Keep an eye out for fake ones that look real and dot the tank in with them. Make sure theyre soft and safe.
