set up for a 180 g fw tank

[General]

so my set up is a 180 gallon freshwater tank, i am thinking of putting in crappies, sunfish, maybe a pumpkinseed or 2, and not sure if anything else or not. But right now i am sinking some drift wood and i am trying to decide what type of substrate to use, sand i think would look great and i think the fish would like it. other wise gravel or some other mixture that is better for plants and fish. also i have an overflow sump for the filtration.
if i want plants do i need co2 added to the tank and if so isnt that detrimental to the fish. are there some plants that dont require extra light or co2 and look nice.
also how much substrate do i want/need and is there too much (ie trapping gases)
thanks for all your help think is my first larger tank i have done so i really appreciate all of you input, as i am trying to research before implementing any plans, because i want happy fish and good looking plants.

thanks again for all your help in advance

 

[General]

i guess i need to be more specific i think in my question in the i want to know what kinds of sand i should use, what the diferent properties are, pros and cons, and what others have used and liked. or if sand isnt great what are the other options that would be good for plants and fish, and why or why not.

 

[Pharaoh]

You should try flourite or standard planted substrate for plants. I just used pool filter sand, but then that requires substrate fertilizers. You would want your substrate bed to be 3-4" deep IMO.

No, Co2 is not required for some low-light plants.

 

[quintas14]

Clay cat litter is a chuffing good and cheap substrate to use

It hold all of the minerals and nutrients that palnts need, and it's cheap as hell too

Just give it a good covering with another type of cheap sand (pool filter sand, block paving sand, kiln dried sand) to stop it clouding the water and job done.. And at about 1/50th of the price too ...

 

[General]

is there any problem with clean up i should be aware of or mainanace. i wouldnt think there will be a problem with the filter since i am using an overflow.

 

[quintas14]

As long as you don't stir the hell out of it when doing water changes there will be no problems in the slightest. I used to use it all the time and it was always a good outcome