Need advice on my new tank

[Darkness]

So ive decided to get a new 55 gallon planted tank with tiger barbs.

My first question in substrate. I was thinking about flourite, but after reading threads here, it seems to be messy and mucks up the water anytime theres a disturbance. So now im thinking just a layer of laterite under normal gravel. Any advice on this decision. I dont expect to get any hard to maintain plants, but Cabomba is one of the plants i really want.

Second is stocking. I just got a pleco and have him in my 29 gallon, and im going to move him to my 55 gallon and then give him to my brother when he gets too large. So with a pleco and probably 7 tiger barbs, what else would be suggested for the tank. I'll probably move a few ghost shrimp from my 29 as well. Also hypothetically an empty tank, how many barbs could fit in the 55?

[Darkness]

New update, i found a river near my house that has nice fine sand. I was thinking about using that as the substrate.

[Nick_Pavlovski]

Too many chances of bringing in diseases and unwanted bacteria from your local river. Not to mention pollution...

[Darkness]

what if i were to boil the sand?

[Nick_Pavlovski]

That would certainly help, but is it worth the effort (do you have the equipment and time to boil it all)?

I'm sure others will also give their opinions or experience.




Even though I've had lots of opportunities to bring home rocks, plants etc from my fishing trips to actually use in tanks, I've only ever done it to my pond. Less risk.

[nanaglen2001]

I would say you need at least 100 pounds sand as substrate.

If the river is a clean one and you have the possibilities to boil it, why not.

[genitor]

If the river is clean and there are actually fish living in it I don't see a problem.

[Darkness]

so what is suggested to go with the sand, laterite or flourite? mix it or put sand over it. it will all get mixed together anyway