Starting a 55 gallon planted tank

[snarferer]

I'm experienced with fish, but not at all with plants or inverts. I have a couple of questions on how to get started with a planted tank. I'm planning a 55 gallon tank which I'd like to plant a variety of vallisneria and a couple of other things which eventually I'm planning on keeping with angelfish. One of my questions is about how many plants do you usually need for this size tank?

Also, at this size is adding CO2 a must? If so, do any of you of some relatively easy, reliable methods of adding CO2 that aren't terribly expensive? Lastly, with all of these plants I imagine that I'll be needing shrimp to clean up after them. About how many would you think is an appropriate number and what do you think is the best species to keep with angels?

One final thing, as far as finding the best site to buy plants at (my local store doesn't have a great selection) do any of you have some favorites/ recommendations?
Thanks!

 

[darth pike]

The CO2 question is not so much about tank size, but more about the type of plants you want to keep as well as the lighting.

 

[kasturbo]

Good questions. I'm watching this closely as I am also in the process of setting up my first planted 55. I'm wondering if Otos wouldn't be a better option than shrimp?

 

[Fat Homer]

Most of the planted tanks i've seen tend to use a mix of both Shrimp and Otto's which i guess makes sense since i presume the Ottos can clean the glass more efficiently while the Shrimp can get into those hard to reach places...

 

[oOMO3NOo]

as stated above co2 will depend on light. if your going with low light stuff you shouldnt need to add co2. (it will help but not needed) with low light you should be fine with a few 2 liter bottles and a DIY CO2 mix. or you can use excel. high light you will need the high tech co2 systems.

depending on the type of plants you want to keep will depend on the number of plants. if you get large plants like amazon swords two or so is about all you would want. but stem plants and anubias you can put as many as you want in there.

you can use shrimp and ottos. the smaller shrimp like cherries will be eaten by you angels. if you have it planted enough the shrimp should reproduce fast enough and stay hidden to still have alot of them.

i usually buy my plants either out of the S&S or from aquabotanic because they are close to me so shipping is a little cheaper.

hope that helps