Newbie To Plants Wants A Planted Tank

[mark_lad]

hey guys 
 
ive always stayed clear of plants as i remember my dads 5-6ft tank as a kid n see them looking old fashioned and urgh but then i joined here and wow i want one.
 
so i have a 26lx12wx18d might be taller   i was gonna do just another rock tank but now decided this will be a planted tank it has no lights or hood soo need advice on these also 
 
i want it to look modern  and fresh  i like unusal n bright fish (hence my malawi tank)  so
 
1) what light do i need i was looking at a ebay led lamp that screws to the back of tank yes/no or is their somthing better i will build a hood if needed ?
 
2) what plants look good ?
 
3) in a planted tank does it need any ect bits seen co2 mentioned 
 
4) what fish dont wanna do boring common stuff
 
this is the tank i wanna use the rocks can stay or go same as the sand i belive its just play sand  is this ok for planting into ?

 
thanks in advance 
mark

 

[DiddleBug]

I'm new to plants too.  I have play sand which seems to please everyone so far.   (I've had it for a few months now.) 
 
I have anubias, java fern, and corkscrew vals.  The anubias is doing great strapped to a rock and the java fern are propagating.  Sadly the corkscrew vals came from over seas and came looking pretty sad.   I think I'll get some more from another seller.  I got all my plants off ebay FYI.  So far all my plants haven't needed co2. 
 
As far as lighting, I'll leave that question to someone else.   My lighting is 120 VAC. 60Hz. 17 W.  (If that helps.)  
 
Non boring fish... lol Here's a few ideas:
Guppies: flashy and fun to watch
Corys: docile and are neat-they swim in a little pack.  
Gouramis: very elegant fish-they usually build bubble nests for you!
Bettas: Never had these guys but I've heard they are awesome! 
 
There are many other fish but I've only had experience with a few of the types.  
 
Hope this helps! 

 

[Fluval-1200]

I have a nice load of giant vallis which would fill the back of that tank nicely. Some of them are upto 30'' long and growing still.

 

[kaidenvang]

I have a nice load of giant vallis which would fill the back of that tank nicely. Some of them are upto 30'' long and growing still.