New to planted tanks

[Lord Spice]

Hello everyone I have a 90 gallon tank that I want to thrive as a planted tank but so far I'm having trouble keeping the plants down. I only have gravel in there right now should I take the gravel out and a different bottom?

[Lord Spice]

New to planted tanks

[mnemenoi]

My recommendation is adding more substrate or using some plant weights. You could remove it or simply mix it in, either way. Most planted tanks use about 2-4" of substrate.

[armthehomeless]

Re: New to planted tanks

My recommendation is adding more substrate or using some plant weights. You could remove it or simply mix it in, either way. Most planted tanks use about 2-4" of substrate.

+1

[Lord Spice]

New to planted tanks

Thanks is that all I need for the planted tank ? I read about using a co2 diffuser and I was wondering if that's really needed?

[Lord Spice]

New to planted tanks

What type of fish do you recommend for a planted tank?

[mistahoo]

My recommendation is adding more substrate or using some plant weights. You could remove it or simply mix it in, either way. Most planted tanks use about 2-4" of substrate.

+2

[mistahoo]

Thanks is that all I need for the planted tank ? I read about using a co2 diffuser and I was wondering if that's really needed?

The plants will look more lush and green with the CO2, but you don't necessarily need CO2. My fluval chi thread is running without CO2. The diffuser is to get CO2 absorbed into the water column better. There are other methods to do this.

[mistahoo]

What type of fish do you recommend for a planted tank?

Schooling fish? Tim has a lot of fish that I'd recommend for a planted tank.

[Lord Spice]

New to planted tanks

Well I would appreciate all input on this I'm a total noob to fresh water . I have been a saltwater enthusiast and just got into the freshwater side .

[mnemenoi]

Planted substrates are an excellent choice, I would recommend Eco-Complete or Seachem's Flourite. Both have done terrific for me in very long term tanks and do best in our local tap water. There are buffering substrates, but these alter the water chemistry and can be tricky unless you need it for a certain plant/livestock choice.

CO2 can be used to feed plants and provide more lush growth, though I myself prefer low tech (no CO2) and have found I can grow almost everything without it. CO2 can lower the Ph via the formation of Carbonic acid and make a tank battery acid without stringent controls.

There are a variety of options when it comes to fish choices. Blue Eyes (psuedomugils) are terrific as are most rainbowfish as they do not eat plants. Tetras usually work (just avoid the silver dollar family and you should be good). Some dwarf cichlids can work (Kribensis and Bolivian rams), Gobies can work (Gudgeons and Stiphodens) plecos can assist with algae as can Siamese Algae eaters. Shrimp are another good option (Amano shrimp and cherries are terrific). Livebearers can also be done the Splitfin Goodeids and Mollies are consummate algae eaters. Just let us know what strikes your fancy and we can tell you your options.

[armthehomeless]

Re: New to planted tanks

Starting out, I'd recommend not using CO2. Get a planted tank substrate and use seachem excel (if needed) instead. Get plants like cryptocorynes, anubius, vslusneria, and java fern. Wisteria, hygrophilia, and hornwort are also good options. Most tetras, rainbowfish, bororas, and livebearers make great additions to planted tanks. Lots of options are out there.... find one that you like and enjoy your new planted tank!

[mistahoo]

Re: New to planted tanks

+1 on no CO2 to start . If you do flora (plants) only and no fauna (livestock), you can get away with a lot more and learn how to use CO2. Or try it on a tank with feeders.

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[allysangels]

if you've done salt, you can do plants. :) a good substrate will carry you far indeed. i also agree that co2 isn't necessary, although it can produce amazingly lush plant growth, i would hold off until you feel more comfortable as it can be hazardous if not used properly. as far as livestock, i would google google google... see what you like and then maybe check back with us to hear personal experiences with particular species. good lighting is also important, and again there are many choices, i would try to find what look you want to achieve, then pick your combination of plants/livestock, and from there set up your equipment to best care for your tank. :)

[mistahoo]

Exactly. I've got a lot of reefers tell me that if I've done planted tanks, then reef tanks will come just as easy. I can only assume the opposite applies.