some help with new project

[kingborris]

Hi all.

I am thinking of setting up a new project which steps beyond my range of expertise.

I keep tropical fish, and i am about to setup a 150 gallon amazonian biotope, with lots of aquatic plants. this bit i can do.

the second phase of my project will be to build a shelf above the tank to hold some not aquatic plants. these will be in a window box type arrangement, which will be trickle fed with a supply of water from the aquarium, and which will then drain back into the aquarium after passing the length of the trough. This will act to a) keep the plants well watered and fertilised (due to the aquatic fertilisers and nitrates used and produced in the aquarium) and help to maintain my water quality in the tank by the plants stripping nitrates from the water.

The tank will be open topped, which will provide humid conditions around this setup. although the tank will be in a shady corner of the room, away from a large window (so limited light), i may be able to suppliment with some fluorescent grow lights to provide a little extra lighting for these plants. Vaguely planning a vermiculite / peat soil mix for the trough (as the peat will aid in creating soft water conditions for the tank

In keeping with the amazonian theme, i am there fore after suggestions of plants from this region, which will do well in humid low light level environment. i basically know very little about terrestrial plants, so any tips / suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks!

[Newt]

Hi KB,
Sounds like quite a project. I would suggest you visit a large nursery that carries tropical plants for suggestions or a botanical garden. The staff there should be able to help with recommendations. If you decide to mailorder, check references here first.

http://gardenwatchdog.com/

Newt