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Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:06 am
by duskyl
I'd also recommend a small snail or two. They help keep the bowl clean and add some movement. Nerites are great because they don't reproduce in fresh water.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:11 am
by Blossom
Ravenox9 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:28 am
One thing to watch with the bowl is water evaporation. Smaller volumes can swing params fast. Top off with RO or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
Yep, learned that the hard way. My first bowl got super cloudy from tap water top-offs. RO is the way to go.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:41 am
by whiskerix
Another tip, keep the lighting period short, like 6 hours max. Algae can take over fast in a small bowl with too much light.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:19 am
by Mango
I've found that a timer for the light makes a huge difference. Set it and forget it. No chance of leaving the light on too long by accident.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:51 am
by Ravenox9
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a tiny carpet of Monte Carlo. It's a bit more work but looks amazing in a bowl. Just needs good light and maybe some liquid carbon.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 7:11 am
by duskyl
Don't forget to cycle the bowl before adding any livestock. Even with plants, it's good to let it stabilize for a few weeks.
Re: best plants for a Planted bowl
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 8:17 am
by Blossom
Mango wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:19 am
I've found that a timer for the light makes a huge difference. Set it and forget it. No chance of leaving the light on too long by accident.
Totally agree. I use a cheap outlet timer and it's been a game changer. No more algae blooms from forgetting to turn the light off.