MoondustBob
Fish Fanatic
Howdy ya'll 
I've kept fish for around 8 years or so now, but my main tank has been neglected for the past year or so due to a very active 16 month old son taking up all my time and energy
I've stripped the tank down, cleaned all gravel and bought new sand, plus new filter sponges and I'm going for a fresh start... I don't know too much techie stuff, and I'd like to keep things as simple as possible.
I've had algae problems in the past, which led to removal of all plants and 1 light bulb. I've never done water tests or any of that, and never used chemicals - too much money, and with Christmas fast approaching, kids and currently no job, I'm on a budget.
The tank is 48x12x15, currently with a single 40w bulb and a Fluval 4 internal filter. Sand a gravel mixed for a natural effect, with Welsh slate and bogwood. Over the next few weeks I'm looking at getting replacement lights (2x30w maybe?) and hopefully an external (easy to maintain) filter. Plants will follow, though I'm not sure what to get... Java fern, amazon sword, Egeria densa, Vallis, and a few others have all done fairly well in the past, but I've never known how to care for them properly so have either simply rotted away because of incorrect pruning, or have been attacked by various form of algae. I think CO2 can help control this, but I don't really want to go there just yet (money, etc.).
I'm after advice on the lighting, what filter to get, suppliers, and what plants to start me off... I appreciate without water tests things could be trail and error, but it'll have to do for the moment. Also, anyone wishing to donate plants would be a blessing, I'd especially like to try some carpeting plants like riccia or something. Cheeky I know, but 'don't ask, don't get' and all that
I'll try to post pics of my new (and quite bare layout) at some point this weekend if I can find my camera Far from what might be possible, but I'd love something like this on a slightly smaller scale 
I've kept fish for around 8 years or so now, but my main tank has been neglected for the past year or so due to a very active 16 month old son taking up all my time and energy
I've stripped the tank down, cleaned all gravel and bought new sand, plus new filter sponges and I'm going for a fresh start... I don't know too much techie stuff, and I'd like to keep things as simple as possible.
I've had algae problems in the past, which led to removal of all plants and 1 light bulb. I've never done water tests or any of that, and never used chemicals - too much money, and with Christmas fast approaching, kids and currently no job, I'm on a budget.
The tank is 48x12x15, currently with a single 40w bulb and a Fluval 4 internal filter. Sand a gravel mixed for a natural effect, with Welsh slate and bogwood. Over the next few weeks I'm looking at getting replacement lights (2x30w maybe?) and hopefully an external (easy to maintain) filter. Plants will follow, though I'm not sure what to get... Java fern, amazon sword, Egeria densa, Vallis, and a few others have all done fairly well in the past, but I've never known how to care for them properly so have either simply rotted away because of incorrect pruning, or have been attacked by various form of algae. I think CO2 can help control this, but I don't really want to go there just yet (money, etc.).
I'm after advice on the lighting, what filter to get, suppliers, and what plants to start me off... I appreciate without water tests things could be trail and error, but it'll have to do for the moment. Also, anyone wishing to donate plants would be a blessing, I'd especially like to try some carpeting plants like riccia or something. Cheeky I know, but 'don't ask, don't get' and all that
I'll try to post pics of my new (and quite bare layout) at some point this weekend if I can find my camera
Far from what might be possible, but I'd love something like this on a slightly smaller scale 
/www.fishforever.co.uk/carbondioxide.html
