Planted tank?

Question
Hi! I was thinking about possibly having a planted 10gal tank and I was wondering what kinds of plants would go with what kind of fish like tetras or another community fish, nothing aggressive though, and also what would look good. I was thinking of Hygrophila balsamica as a background, green myrio in front of that, then Java moss on the gravel in front. Would they live together ok or would it look funny or not grow well? I'm sure I'm going to have more questions but this will be great! Thanks, you've been great in all my other questions!

Will

Answer
Hi Will,
Your plant choice kinda depends upon the lighting and overall setup of your tank. First determine if you have bright light, medium light, or low-light, then choose plants that are suitable for that type of lighting. Also, if you have a plain substrate you'll be best off with hardy tough plants that don't demand a rich substrate. It's always good to have some flourite or other planting substrate either 100% or half and half with normal gravel. And if you'll be adding CO2.

It's very possible to have a low-tech tank...

Some good plants for no substrate, low-moderate lighting levels are-
*Java Moss
*Java Fern
*Hygrophillia polsperma
*Vallisneria spiralis

But it always helps to have at least 1-2 watts of lighting per gallon as well as a good planting substrate to grow most of your basic plants. Such as....

*anubias
*cryptocorynes
*swords
*anacharis
*wisteria
*Nymphea lilly
*Aponogeton plants


~Hygrophila balsamica is a lovely plant but not very well suited to tanks that do not have high lighting levels or CO2 injections.  
~green myrio should be fine however. Its quite a beautiful plant.
~And of course Java moss will be fine. You can grow it almost in any tank. ;-)

I hope this helps and best of luck!
Karen~