50 Gallon planted tank.

[joshuaisblink182]

Hi I have a 50 gallon tank I got about a month ago. It is already cycled and I have 2 silver dollars, 5 tiger barbs, 3 bala sharks, and three clown loaches. I have only enough gravel to cover the bottom tank. Maybe a half on an inch. I want to make it a well planted tank, but I have always kept african cichlids so I know nothing about plants. My water perimeters are ammonia 0, nitrite 0 , nitrate 0. Ph about 7.2-7.4. I have a 40w light bulb that came with the tank. The tank is 4ft long. The light fits it , but I don't know the lights exact light bulb measuremets. What will I need to keep my plants alive. Like what will I need and what will I need to do to keep them alive??? I heard Of Co2, but I don't know what that is and if I need it.

Thanks Joshua

 

[Great Lakes]

Joshua, the first thing for you to do is upgrade your lighting. For insured succes you should try to place four three foot lights above your tank. This would give you slightly over 120 watts of light. That puts you right on target for the recommended minimum of 2 to 2.5 watts per gallon. Four footers would be even better. My gravel bed ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.