Getting Back Into It

[sfgiants13]

Here's a little about me. I started into fish when I was really young (got a Betta as a bday gift, and had it for about 4 years..I cried up a storm when it died (I was about 9 or so at the time)). Since then, I've managed a 2.5 gallon tank, up to a 29, attempted to plant that (that tank went to hell...I couldn't maintain it), then up to a 55 gallon by time I was 16. I spent all of my $$ into that, attempted to plant it (that didn't work out either...I suck at planting ). Now, I haven't had any time to revamp my tank or anything...just enough time to feed them, do the water changes, and general maintenance. I only have about 8 fish left from about 5 years ago from when I originally got my 55 gallon. I saw this site and am thinking about giving plantingn another go. This time, I want to split them into 2 10 gallon tanks. I saw at Walmart a 10 gallon kit for $30 including the hood, filter, heater, everything. Reason I was there looking is because of this post:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...hl=bright++kits

Is something like that still viable for keeping a planted tank (basically the part about swapping the incandescent bulbs for 2 23 watt flourescent, as in the article). This time, I will plant it from the start and not midway hoping this will not give me troubles. I could probably get them both setup for about no more then $200 (including the plants, gravel, generic supplies, etc...maybe even cheaper). Is this a decent plan or would it be a waste of time and $$? My tank now is healthy, just algae that is giving me hell to get off and the design is not that great. I just want a better landscape and it taking less space and be able to be moved into our living room since I'll be moving for college in a year. B)

 

[Catfish Jack]

i set up a planted 10g with most the supplies form walmart for about 70 bucks. i actually bought the plant bulb packs form walmart, and they did well. but it seems like i cant get any of the bulbs i bought lately to sprout. good thing about walmart though, you can take anything back.

 

[sfgiants13]

Thanks...also, where's the cheapest place (chain store or online) to buy the sand, bulbs, etc? And which types should I get?

 

[Leedsboi86]

Ya can actualy get sand from a store like B&Q(Hardware strore in UK)
Just make sure it's the right type of sand, I did 3X 2FT Aquariums with a bag for £3.00($6.00)

 

[sfgiants13]

Another thing...should I use an additive to add nutrients to the water? And, should I use just sand, or should I add something that has nutrients such as flourite as well...