General Advice Needed...

[Axyadbad]

Right here we go...I bought my first ever tank last summer and went for a planted tank because I love the natural look. Here's a link to a few photos of it progressing...http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/409765-my-first-planted-tank/. I'm addicted to fish and obviously want a bigger tank, but being a student means I currently have no room. SOOO basically I've got bored of it and want a change.. 
 
So I have a few questions:
 
Will I have to replace the tropica growing substrate (don't know the proper name) to give the new plants what they need?
Would making big changes and moving the substrate around cause an ammonia spike or kill any nitrifying bacteria?
Would 550 l/h turnover in a 60 litre tank be high enough for HC (Cuba)? ....I love it but my tank is only low-tech and I've heard it's 'advanced' according to tropica, but I grew another 'advanced' plant with no problems.
 
I've got a new piece of wood.. I'll upload some photos soon!
 
Sorry for blabbing and thanks for any responses!

 

[Noahs ark6]

Your flow could be a bit higher but will suffice. How many watts in total is there, and how is the penetration of light onto the floor? I previously grew some advanced plants in a low-tech tank and they did fine, got some HC and it never rooted or grew, so you might have a few problems with it.
Moving things about shouldn't be a problem, as long as your filter remains constant.
Is there not instructions on the box of the substrate? I'm not sure if theirs a time period that it lasts for, but if it was me i'd change it every 2 years or if i noticed that the plants weren't doing as well as they were.

 

[MoneyMitch]

in my experience weather I use "plant substrate" sand gravel or w/e the diffrences were minimal. yes you will have to replace it to replishin the nutrient it was once providing... but I wouldn't bother theres more hype around these things then their worth. and yes moving the substrate around generally causes algae blooms or diatom blooms or both. as far as filtration that isn't a issue in the tank. you want a good circulation around the tank and some surface agitation but not much. the plants will do the filtration for you. as far as trying HC id say go for it... it might work it might not. everyones system is different and what works for one wont work for another and vice versa.

 

[Axyadbad]

Thank you very much for the advice guys.. I'm going to go for the Cuba..worth a go isn't it! I'll order my plants soon and keep you informed!
 
Thanks again!