Add some Stress Coat or Novaqua, then let the tank run for at least three days. Clean out the filter which will probably be full of mud from the initial gravel placement. Clean the polyester filter material and/or put in fresh material and let the tank run for another day.
Go to your local nursery or garden center and look for small tropical
plants, typically in 1 to 3 inch pots. Ask the
nursery
personnel to recommend plants that like to be moist and do best in partial
sun or full shade. There are an incredible number of house plant varieties
to choose from. Some plants that do exceptionally well are the China Doll
Radermachera, English Ivy Hedera helix,
Pothos Epipremnum aureum, or the Bird's nest fern Asplenium
nidus. Many ground covers (such as Baby's Tears, Soleirolia
soleirolii) will also do exceptionally well. You can also add pieces
of driftwood and attach a variety of tillandsias. You should water once a
week (with aquarium water) and mist every few days. Drain the excess water
out of the soil section a day or so after watering. On a monthly basis, you
may
fertilize
with a weak solution of Miracle Grow or other balanced fertilizer. Try not
to get any of the fertilizer solution in the aquarium water, which could
cause an algae bloom.
For the water section, choose community fish that will not disturb aquatic plants. Most tetras and mollies fall into this category, as well as the "algae eaters" (plecostomas) and many catfish varieties. Definitely ask your aquarium dealer for help in choosing fish that are safe for a planted tank.
As far as aquatic plant selection is concerned, you are limited by the varieties available in you local aquarium store. Plants with darker leaf colors usually require less light and will do better in the long run. A good start might be anacharis elodea canadensis or Carolina Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana. Fertilize plants weekly with a good liquid fertilizer designed for aquatic plants or use the many tablet forms that can be placed under the gravel near the roots. Choose a fertilizer that is high in iron and contains no phosphates or nitrates.
To enhance the beauty of your tank, consider buying a small fog machine (shown in action below). These little devices sell for about $40 and add a tropical rain forest look to your tank. You can purchase one from most mail order houses, which also carries a variety of other accessories for your paludarium.
About the Author
Joe Jaworski
has been keeping
paludariums for over 7 years, and has maintained many freshwater and marine
aquariums for over 20 years. He has kept mini-reef tanks, freshwater
invertebrates, Koi ponds, and various marine aquariums. He has spawned clown
fish (including raising rotifers and marine micro algaes). Joe does not have a biology degree
or any formal training in aquaculture, just a love for the aquarium hobby
and all it has to offer.
