Starting a planted tank

[Gigan]

Hello all Iv'e been itching to get back into the hobby ever since my kids recieved a 5 gallon eclipse-like tank and we actually got it to cycle successfully and is doing well now. Anyhow I love to look at planted tanks and I'm interested in setting one up. The type of fish I plan on are community type like loaches and others that will get along with them. So now the vague question. I think Ill use a 50 gal tank with a tetra triad 60 filter and I know Ill need lighting. Any suggestions on the lighting and what about Co2. I have read depending on the plant I may not need any. So any suggestions for plants and lighting and comments on anything else I need to consider would be appriciated.

[William]

Most hardy plant won't need a Co2 system.

The amount of lighting you need depends largerly on what type of plants you want. AS an example, do you want to have red plants in your tank?

[Gigan]

No not really, mostly I like the green stuff and ground covering plant of the same color. Also are tank parameters going to have to be adjusted to plant life P.H. wise or does that depend on plant type as well?

[William]

The pH depends on which species as well. It is best to decide what plants you want first and tan decide the rest.

How high is your tank?

[Gigan]

well I just recieved a glass 29 gallon tank and its about 18" tall and 30" wide.

[Severus]

Do you know what plants you want to put in? I would try some hardy plants like Java Fern, maybe Ozelet Sword, etc.. pretty easy to take care of

[Gigan]

Ya 100gw, I was thinking java fern and some dwarf hair grass. Im looking towards hardy plants for sure , thank for you info 100gw.

[Severus]

No problem

[Severus]

Keep us updated with your progress. i want to see how it all works out