my new tank, yeah

[cichlid_freak]

:insane: I just set up my 10 gal. tank as a heavily planted tank (it doesn't have that many plants YET, but will). I was wondering what routine should I follow for it to not need a filter. I want this thing au-natural. Unfortunatly I have to have a heater, but will be hidden soon. So far, the only inhabitants are four tiny cherry shrimp . I will be adding a pair of German Rams, and ottos as needed. I want the smallest fish load possible, with many, many plants!!! I have an Iron rich substrate (about 2" deep) and black sand (about 1 1/2" deep) and add dupla drops (1 daily), liquid CO2(3 ml daily), and trace elements (1 cap 2-3x's a week). I want a CO2 thingy but it will have to wait a while. I have the lighting on from 8a.m. to about 9-10p.m. (depending on how early I wake up ) I have a red lilly and several crypts along with Anubias nana (dark).

Now to the questions, I was wondering what kind of ground cover I should use (a clover, grass , or other)? I was also wondering if there was a prettier ram/apisto (in anyone's opinion) that would be suited instead of the German Rams. If you suggest one, please give me a way to find more info about them (a link, their scientific name, etc.). And don't forget about routine and suggestions for doing it "au-natura." (I may end up buying a substrate heater because their awesome for plants, and a hidden way of heating tank)

Thank you in advance

 

[Captain]

You can make a DIY CO2 generator with water, sugar, and some
bread yeast. Real easy and should provide enough CO2 for a
10g tank. Do a google search for DIY CO2 and you'll find bunches
of hits.

Why don't you want a filter? You really should get a filter. Get a small
HOB filter, one without any kind of wheel that will create water turbulence.

Instead of a substrate heater I would invest in lights or CO2. The effectiveness
of substrate heat is in doubt but lights and CO2 are proven. A timer for the lights
would be better than a substrate heater.

What kind of lights do you have? You want at least about 2watts/gallon.

If you have enough light you can get something called glossostigma. Its a small low growing
plant will small leaves. Requires high light, good CO2, and good ferts.