To attain a tank like this, you need to break it down into segments and do your research on each. These tanks don't just happen, it takes a lot of time and effort on the owners behalf.
It all depends how far you are prepared to go with this I think. There are the so called purists (like myself, lol) or people who like to do things on a shoestring. I'm not knocking the shoestring crowd, far from it, I've seen some beautiful tanks in my time with ordinary gravel substrate and good lighting. Different people will have different views on how to do things is all I'm saying.
I would start with an
under gravel heating cable again you can buy cheaply or expensive it's up to you. Seek advice and get one to suit you tank size. I say to buy this first only because it's no use wanting to install one at a later date.
For the substrate I bought some JBL Florapol substrate additive, I mixed this dry with enough unwashed fine gravel to cover the aquarium botton to a depth of 30mm, then on top of this I placed a further 30mm of washed fine gravel, then on top of that I placed a further 30mm layer of washed decorative silica gravel (a nice deep golden brown colour, gives the aquarium a real natural riverbed look.). Then I would address your lighting again seek advice from experts on this forum as to your ideal requirements for your specific tank. You will need to include CO2 at some point but this can be done later again cheaply, DIY method or Pressurised which is more expensive, the choice is yours...
Here I think you have the basis to proceed further if you want to.
As for the plants buy good stock initally potted are best, I take it you live in the UK if so moesy along to www.birstall.co.uk. Quite expensive I know but will pay dividends in the long run. Do your research and check out some planting plans.
Head here
http
/www.dennerle.de/ENGLISCH/e_frameset.htm
click on
aquascapes at the top then view all the different biotopes by clicking on them down the lefthandside.. There are planting diagrams with a legend of the plants to help you.
Again I think this will form the basis inorder for you to proceed.
If anyone else wants to add to this thread feel free, I've been in this hobby a long time, I'm no expert, and I'm still learning...
Hope this helps.
