First planted plans *gonna need major help*

[xDestro]

So iv decided I want to do a aquascape on my 55 completely changing it, I really like the simple look of a carpet and dragon stone. My question is what plant is best for this? I need something that is basically beginner friendly since this will be my first live plants in a tank. Also I can't have co2 just not in my budget. And what about lighting? Would 2 Marineland led strips be okay? To much? Not enough? Im new to this so what substrate would be best?links to buy would be appreciatedwould I need to dose once a week and if so what to use and how much? stock.... I love my electric blue acara and would love a mated pair, I was also thinking a lot of cories and then cardinal tetras.

 

[Fat Homer]

Normally carpet plants + beginner dont really go together just because most carpets require high light / ferts / Co2...

I've had a bit of luck with Hairgrass using Excel instead of Co2, but was still not the best growth, and didnt really send runners as fast as in my old high tech tank...

 

[Fat Homer]

I should also have mentioned, just cause carpets arent beginner plants, doesnt mean you shouldnt have a go a it, if you are up for a bit of trial and error when things dont work out...

 

[Deadliestviper7]

If your ok with your carpet being at the top of the tank u can do some water purslane

 

[FreshyFresh]

55g tanks are a bit of a challenge because they are tall with only 12" front to back. The lighting intensity needed to reach bottom can and will algae up the taller plants and decor. You can try it with excell or glutaral products for CO2. Not sure of the specs on the marineland LED strips, but there's lots of mail order options for plant LEDs.

 

[Angelphish]

So iv decided I want to do a aquascape on my 55 completely changing it, I really like the simple look of a carpet and dragon stone. My question is what plant is best for this? I need something that is basically beginner friendly since this will be my first live plants in a tank. Also I can't have co2 just not in my budget. And what about lighting? Would 2 Marineland led strips be okay? To much? Not enough? Im new to this so what substrate would be best?links to buy would be appreciatedwould I need to dose once a week and if so what to use and how much? stock.... I love my electric blue acara and would love a mated pair, I was also thinking a lot of cories and then cardinal tetras.

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If you're going to set up an aquarium, especially a planted one, you can squeeze co2 into your budget. I was able to get a 5lb setup for about $100 including co2.

 

[Angelphish]

I believe Monte Carlo is one of the easier carpeting plants. Fat Homer and convict360 know more about it.

 

[xDestro]

Yea didn't think this was gonna be easy lol but I still wanna try, what about substrate?

 

[Angelphish]

Yea didn't think this was gonna be easy lol but I still wanna try, what about substrate?

I use fluval stratum and my high demanding plants love it. My background plants grow noticeably by the day, and my baby tears and madagascar lace plant have grown considerably since I bought them. Both are considered difficult plants to grow.

 

[Fat Homer]

I use ADA Amazonia soil or another type of soil rumored to be from the same factory as ADA...