Red Plants For Modest Par Levels?

Joshaeus

New Member
Oct 27, 2019
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New England, USA
Hi everyone! I am setting up a 5 gallon/19 liter CO2 tank and - after doing some research (including on this forum) - want to keep my substrate PAR at about 30-50 umols to keep some semblance of stability in the tank. My question is, are there any plants that will readily turn red under such conditions, assuming everything else is being done properly? Thanks :)
 

Joshaeus

New Member
Oct 27, 2019
9
2
3
28
New England, USA
Jup they turn red easily, no limitations needed. Just a right balance of co2 light an nutrients..

Thanks :) By the way...about how much (in ppm) should I dose to a tank like this? How much nitrate, phosphate, potassium, etc? I was pretty sure the traditional EI method was intended for a more brightly lit tank than this.
 

Joshaeus

New Member
Oct 27, 2019
9
2
3
28
New England, USA
It depends, what kind of substrate do you haven AS or inert. You can always try to dose half of EI end increase if you have signs of lack in nutrients..

I am using a substrate consisting of 2 parts sand, 1 part cat's pride clay cat litter (which has, remarkably, not turned to mush underwater...it remains as discrete pebble-like structures) and 1 part topsoil. I can try half the EI dose...thank you.
 
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Joshaeus

New Member
Oct 27, 2019
9
2
3
28
New England, USA
Using Co2 opens up the options to red plants. I would think Rotala macranda would be easy. L. Super Red mini and the Alternanthera are classic.
Why Co2 for such a small tank? I would go at least a 20 gallon. I'm not so keen on nano. 20 gallons is nano enough for fish and for a decent variety of plants.

My landlord will not allow me to have more than 20 gallons of aquarium indoors...I have no choice but to use little tanks like this, as limiting as they are.