Getting back into fish keeping.

[Fish are friends]

After a 7 year absence from keeping fish, I decided it was time to get tanks again. The dilema i had was whether to go with African cichlids or a general community planted tank. I decided on the latter . Although I had previously kept South American cichlids (Geophagus steindachneri) Red Tapajos with rainbows as companions. I like the idea of a heavily planted tank so I’m going to think like a noob and ask what do I need.. i am currently cycling a smaller 20l tank which will have tetras in eventually and give me filter media that I can start the cycling of the new tank when I get it And act As a plant nursery. The tank I’m looking at is a 250L 4ft with one or possibly 2 external filters. What would be the best substrate, lighting options and I guess plants options.. all very vague but I’m still not 100% sure on the finer details yet..

 

[AbbeysDad]

Welcome back!
I prefer 3-4" of pool filter sand. For lighting, there are many choices. I have a 48" Finnex Planted Plus 24/7 on my 60g running in 24/7 mode on a timer 7am-1am. I quite like the dawn to dusk lighting and the plants do well.
For plants I have anubus, crypts, java moss, java fern, amazon swords, and floating water sprite.