help with first planted tank...

[laura77]

im setting up a 66gal and i want a dark substrate, so i have two questions.

1. any opinions about putting in plants while the tank is cycling????

2. what is the best substrate to use.?

future occupants inc:

1Tandanus cat.

4 assorted corys

2 chinese algae eaters

rtc

and gouramies...yet to be decided

o and im very interested in ground cover plants

 

[Neophyte]

1. Plants normally do well during a cycle as they will absorb nitrogen in it's various phases.

2.Best is a relative term, I have good results with eco-complete.

Don't have any experience with those fish, so can't say a whole lot about them. I do have some siamese algae eaters, according to what I read they eat more algae than their Chinese counter-parts and are more community oriented.

As far as cover a couple that come to mind are micro sword and hair grass

 

[xiahaolong168]

yup. eco-complete works really well for planted tanks. its most convenient too.

 

[Adhlc]

RTC? Meaning Red Tailed Cat? In a 66 gallon planted tank?

 

[laura77]

RTC? Meaning Red Tailed Cat? In a 66 gallon planted tank?

o i mean red tailed black shark lol im dumb

is eco complete expensive??

 

[Lupin]

Cories, RTBS and CAEs will work well in a planted tank although I'd avoid CAEs due to temperament issues. Are you referring to this particular tandanus catfish? Doesn't seem appropriate for a planted tank.

For gouramis, pearl, moonlight and honey gouramis work well.

 

[laura77]

yep thats the one!! but mines a mottled silver. i mainly want ricca or simmilar to attatch to driftwood and maybe one or two other smaller plants so it will leave plenty of room for george my "tandy". im thinking about a patch of hair grass too.

just another quick question as well could i put a different substrate down and put a layer of eco compete over the top???????????

 

[laura77]

avoid CAEs due to temperament issues.

For gouramis, pearl, moonlight and honey gouramis work well.

o ive already got my CAES in another tank ive had them for two yrs and they are very peaceful so im hoping they will be ok

 

[Lupin]

just another quick question as well could i put a different substrate down and put a layer of eco compete over the top???????????

Yes, you can.

 

[Adhlc]

o i mean red tailed black shark lol im dumb

is eco complete expensive??

Ahh, good to hear. And I second Lupin's suggestion on Pearl Gouramis. They look incredible in a planted tank.