My first planted tank

[red_wall]

The specs.

46 gallon (bowfront)
AquaClear filter(made for a 78 gallon, but do i need to remove activated carbon? I read somewhere I did)

and the lighting :
Industry Desc.: F30T8D DAYLIGHT
Watts: 30
Avg. Life Hours: 7,500
Initial Lumens: 1900
Shape: T8
Base Type: G13 Medium BiPin
Finish: Daylight
Kelvin: 6500
CRI: 79
Diameter: 1.00 in. (25.40 mm.)
Nominal Length: 36.00 in. (914.40 mm.)

Firstly, I dont think my lighting is adequate, at all. Any suggestions on what I could possibly do about it?

Secondly, my substrate, most of it is 1 inch long by 2/6 of an inch thick. Would it be better to get a smaller substrate(roots grow in better) or just leave it as it is? If I get a smaller substrate, sand?, would my filter suck up the sand and clog it, and how would I go about cleaning waste from the sand?

Thirdly, can I keep plants next to a filter? Will it diminish the growth at all?

Fourth(ly? hah) What would be some good fish to clean up in my tank? Im getting Kuhli Loaches because they clean the substrate very well, a shrimp or two as well. I'm fairly sure Plecostamouses will eat plants, any type that wont? I'm looking into a... I cant think of the name, but its a butterfly something (idk if rare or not haha?)

Fifth, any good EASY to grow plant suggestions? I have one Melon Sword(thank you walmart) so far.

Sixth, I'm going to use one of those DIY Co2. Any dangers to be had with this?

Seventh, Nutrition for the plants, would the uneaten food and waste from the fish be good enough as nutrition for the plants, or would i need to look into fertilizer?

LASTLY

I'm sorry. I'm sure these questions have been asked before, and I really don't understand the stickies posted on the forum. I know these are basic, and stupid questions but I would really like answers from actual people on the specifics of my tank, not just a sticky.

Sorry for all the questions, i know they're a lot.

 

[ar0wan]

K i'm gonna pick and choose a few to get you started, HTH:

...

Firstly, I dont think my lighting is adequate, at all. Any suggestions on what I could possibly do about it?
up it. I recommend VHO T5 but bulb type is less important than just getting to at least 150w of 6500k - 6700k florescents


Secondly, my substrate, most of it is 1 inch long by 2/6 of an inch thick. Would it be better to get a smaller substrate(roots grow in better) or just leave it as it is? If I get a smaller substrate, sand?, would my filter suck up the sand and clog it, and how would I go about cleaning waste from the sand?
I like mid range gravel, pea size. Sand has it's advantages but can be difficult too. Want a planted tank? Get Florite.


Thirdly, can I keep plants next to a filter? Will it diminish the growth at all?
Depends on turns/hour. If current's not tearing them up, idk of problems.

Fourth(ly? hah) What would be some good fish to clean up in my tank? Im getting Kuhli Loaches because they clean the substrate very well, a shrimp or two as well. I'm fairly sure Plecostamouses will eat plants, any type that wont? I'm looking into a... I cant think of the name, but its a butterfly something (idk if rare or not haha?)
Otocinclus, suckermouth cats

Fifth, any good EASY to grow plant suggestions? I have one Melon Sword(thank you walmart) so far.
this would take a chapter, please see stickies and GL to you

Sixth, I'm going to use one of those DIY Co2. Any dangers to be had with this?
Many. It's very easy to fluctuate pH when using DIY Co2. I would fix lights first, cause it will do more harm than good in the short run. (plants can't use it with low metabolisms due to low lighting) Keep it in mind, it's awesome to see it work.

Seventh, Nutrition for the plants, would the uneaten food and waste from the fish be good enough as nutrition for the plants, or would i need to look into fertilizer?
Get Florite.

See you around, keep the pix coming!

 

[red_wall]

Well, went to the LFS today, got 11 cardinals & plant food for 45 bucks. yeah... but he threw in the plants free. Kinda shabby looking I know, but im going to be adding more plants as I go, and fish.
Thinking of Kuhli Loaches and shrimp(RCS?), any other advisable fish to have?
Any suggestions on the plants?

Oh, and I think I took care of my lighting problem, just leave the window open, its right next to the tank, so it should be adequate.

Thanks-




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[gunnerx]

That gravel will be ok but I suggest getting Fluorite and replacing it. It will be hard for plants to spread out with such large gravel. As for nutrients, check out Seachem Flourish Excel as a CO2 substitute and Flourish as a basic fertilizer.

 

[Lord Barium]

nice looking tank!