Converting a tank to planted....

[Mudslinger14]

I have a 125g freshwater tank right now...It is overstocked, and there are a couple of oddballs that just don't fit in, and are too aggressive for the tank. I've looked into saltwater reefs, and I know my way around them now, and how much it would cost to set one up, and keep one running for this 125. Decided against that I might do a reef for my 36g though. Anyway, back to the 125. The stocking (don't know it exactly and these are just estimates)
1x pictus cat (keeping no matter what. 1st fish )
1x female swordtail (have to keep. Sisters. )
7x Serpae tetras (Love these, and they would go excellent in a planted tank imo)
7x Tiger barbs (don't really have an opinion on these guys)
1x bala shark (rescued from petco Was an adoption guy and was in a 10g tank with his other friend who was 8"+. Like to keep him, but don't need to.)
3x Red finned tinfoil barbs (I know. Get rid of em. )
1x Chinese algae eater screwy: Getting rid of him anyway)
2x Gold gouramis (Keep one [?] get rid of the male)
That's it I guess.
My filtration...Is...Well...Less than adequate actually.
I've persuaded my dad to buy me an fx5 which he should be doing soon.
Annnddddd thats it.
Flame me, idc. I know there are a lot worse tanks out there, and I'm at least changing it.

Now, what I want to do, is keep the fish I mentioned, and turn this tank into a planted tank.
I am familiar with reef lights, and so I'm guessing it's almost the same ?
Need some guidance, still.
Oh, and the tank isn't drilled, and I don't really want tubes hanging out the back and it looking...Well, un-presentable. It's in a formal dining room, and needs to look good.

Thanks for any help.

 

[aclockworkorange]

You're really not that overstocked... I think you've got the right idea about where to go with the stocking. Bigger schools of fewer species look more natural IMO... instead of 7 of this fish, 7 of that fish, etc.

Other than that, you've got the basics of a planted tank... proper light, nutrients, etc depending on what you want to grow.

 

[Mudslinger14]

Alright....Also, do you think if I added 20 or so cardinal tetras, they would be able to hide in the plants at night? Or would the cat get them?

I really don't know exactly what I would need for the plant growth though.
Could someone direct me to a light fixture(s) that would support some medium light plants?
And is it completely necessary for a co2 system? I don't really want unnecessary expenses at the moment...
I don't really mind which plants specifically, but I would like some sort of carpeting type, and then probably some amazon swords, or some tall grass-like plants.
Input welcome.

 

[SkySouza]

Reef lights do not have the proper spectrum for a planted tank so you would have to change the bulbs. Other than that I think ur on the right track.

if you use low light plants you could use a large variety of different light fixtures.

I'm actually thinning out my 60 gallon planted as it is severly over grown. I have more than enough penny wort and baricopa if you're interested I can give you a *****in deal. I've been selling my plants on a couple of sites for awhile now. Pm me if ur interested. I have pictures too

 

[SkySouza]

C02 is not necessary. I don't use it, however, if you want to some carpeting plants it'll most likely be necessary.

How tall is your tank? The depth that the light will have to penetrate is important.

As far as your cat how big is it? I've never had a problem with my pictus (I don't have em anymore) eating smaller fish but if he's hungry and can fit em in his mouth it's possible.

I'd be more worried about him up rooting all your plants. It gets to be a pain having to jam your arm in there 3 times a day to stick your plants back in the gravel just to keep the tank lookin good.

 

[Mudslinger14]

Don't think I'm ready to start adding plants just yet haha. Might hit you up in a few weeks though

He's about 6", and he's eaten 7 tiger barbs in one night before. But I was just thinking about the plants as cover....he tends to stay actually as a mid-dweller. Running up and down the glass more than on the ground.
Hope he would be ok with the plants...If not, this idea is pretty much screwed.

 

[Mudslinger14]

Oh, and tank is 20 inches tall I think.