Help to the inexperienced!!!

[DwarfCichlid101]

I just emptied my 55 gallon tank into a larger one. So now I want to try to set up a planted tank. I really dont want to take all the gravel and filteration out of my 55.. It would be a huge mess... What I was thinking was some sort of natural set-up for kribensis. I don't know how to start this at all... All I have is an undergravel filter hooked up to a canister filter (I know that plants would ruin the undergravel filter, so I guess I could put them in pots...) and gravel that is 'regular-sized', or medium I suppose. I put all of my plastic plants with my 150 because my fish would tear up any live ones. Anyone with advice is (very) welcome to help!! Because truthfully I am a 'noob' at planted tanks... Though I did do some research, nothing really helped, except to confuse me further, lol. To clear the confusion, do I really need a CO2 injector in my tank? and are there any easy-to-care for plants that wouldn't die right off when I get them? Also, I understand that planted tanks should be lightly stocked, is that true? Or could I add a few different types of fish to my 55?

HELP ME!!! (please)

 

[Kobi9019]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49718
here ya go. It's helping me alot!

 

[frasertheking]

i got a planted tank for 3 months . all i use is 1 grow light and dose with ferts while i do water changes . i use a canaster filtre. just disconnect it from the ugf.

sorry for the pics this is my mobile

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

thats a pretty cool set-up! do you have a bubbler in the back of your tank? or is that something else?

 

[frasertheking]

ye i know thats bad for gas exchange but my plants grow quit well and i dont use co2

 

[frasertheking]

ye knex and silver foil. kinda getto but works

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

well thats good to know. i'm glad that i dont have to buy a co2 injector. what type of fert do you use for the plants?

 

[frasertheking]

its called nutrifin plant grow but thats all ive tryed

 

[frasertheking]

well in my 30 gallon ive got

6 young discus
4 sword tails
7 guppys
2 small cats not sure
5 neons
1 ghost shrimp .

i tested my nitrite and its 0 ppm .

i would say you could use a slightly higher stocking level if you got some fast growing plants. only problem i can see is if your tank is chocked with plants there is less room for fish.

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

Well, I wasnt planning on keeping a whole bunch of plants, as if my tank was invaded. Just enough to make it pleasing to look at. The fish will need room to swim too.