Can u grow live plants in a 5 gallon aquarium kit?

Question

All 5 gallon aquarium kits from walmart have an incandescent light, i dont think u can grow plants in that light

Answer 1

You could grow plants, but only hardy ones like Java Moss. It would be much better if you went to your hardware store and bought a compact fluorescent bulb (about $5). This would give you a lot of options with small, low growing plants like Dwarf Sag, Dwarf Chain Sword, Java Moss, Anubias nana, and small Crypts like Cryptocoryne wendtii. Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: DO NOT PLACE YOUR TANK IN FRONT OF A WINDOW! That will lead to extreme algae growth which will choke out any plants you have. Stick with a "daylight", compact light for your hood for best results.

EDIT: Mondo Grass is a terrestrial plant that, if kept in water, will rot within weeks, leading to high ammonia and disgusting water quality.

Answer 2

Just so you know the only fish that can go in a 5 gallon is a Betta. All other fish need 10+ gallons. In a 5 gallon you could do: >1 Betta, 2 African Dwarf Frogs or >1 Betta, 1 Mystery Snail or >1 Betta, 4 Ghost Shrimp or >1 Betta, 7 Cherry Shrimp I personally vote for the mini bow aquarium=)

Answer 3

I'm not sure of all of the plants that will thrive in a 5 gallon, however, with MY 5 gallon I've been VERY successful with java moss (provided your fish don't uproot it) and banana plants. I've also got some water sprite in there and a small sword (it spread in my 55 and I put some in there). I would stick with small plants though because my bananas have grown out of control and are roughly 3 feet long now and I have troubles feeding my fish.
I would go with mondo grass, java fern, java moss, or other grasses.

Answer 4

Yes you can. I also use mini-bow and Eclipse 5 gallon hex tanks, but I've switched the bulbs for compact fluorescent screw-in bulbs (less electric used, but higher output). You can get these at WalMart as well, but look for the 10 watt ones made by "Lights of America". These will cost about $5.00. They also have ones by GE, but the ballast area is bigger and I don't know that these would fit in the fixture. You'll have to look in both the pet and hardware sections, because I've found them in both places, depending on which store I go to.

Answer 5

Depends on the plant.

Without a picture of the plants you have it would be hard to say what you have, but you might have what is commonly called a Florida Beauty.

They should be in Average Temperature 72-75 degrees
Light should be medium to low...not direct
Let the soil dry to touch between waterings

Humidity should be normal indoor and fertilize monthly March-September

Answer 6

A betta is the only fish that can live in that tank, and they do very well with plants. I don't see why a couple won't grow, you can give it a try:)

Answer 7

For fish or plants? They do have plants for fish that will grow in the tank and I believe you can make a terrarium also. I had one, years ago.

Answer 8

most plants need sun light. very few like mold and mushrooms require no light. try and locate your aquarium close to a window. also ask the green thumb employees at local nurseries what plants require no light or artificial light.
good luck