how to plant live plants in my fish tank?

Question

its a ten gallon tank with filter light hood ect...

Answer 1

Tips for a Successful Freshwater Planted Aquarium
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?acatid=329&aid=713
A

Answer 2

I move the gravel back, spread the roots out best I can and put about an inch of gravel over them. In time the roots do their thing and the plant stay in place. IF, you use a siphon gravel cleaner, you know how you stick it in the gravel and suck up trash then let the gravel drop. As you get close to the plant do not stick into the gravel just get what you can and not disturb the roots. Also, some of the Dirt will help the plant by being there. When the plants not look well you need to change 1/3 of the water out, if, you not doing it regular. Fluorescent light works best for plants.

Answer 3

You could get floating plants that do not need to be planted or you could get potted plants that do not need to be taken out of the pots.

If you want to plant in the gravel or sand, just bury the roots up to the crown of the plant. Leaving a little of the top of the roots showing is OK. Spread the roots out in a circle around the center of the plant.

Some plants need more light than others, so ask questions and do your research when you buy them. Some fish will uproot them and some will eat them.

I like Java Fern, Java Moss and Najas Grass. They are all low light plants that do well with 6-8 hours of bright light or 10-12 hours of not so bright light.

Some that need lots of bright light are Amazon Sword Plants, most Cryptocorynes, floating Anacharis and Cabomba.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I just wanted to mention that if you get Java Ferns, the roots are not supposed to be buried in the gravel. You take some fishing line and tie it to a rock, piece of slate...driftwood.

If your tank comes with the typical lighting that comes with a 10 gallon tank, then that is considered low-lighting as far as live plants are concerned.
So, when you are shopping for plants, make sure they will tolerate low-lighting.
The second link below shows you exactly how to plant them based on what type they are.