Planting Advice For A Small Tank

[Mack_Daddy75]

Good day all.

Have now purchased my new tank, and have had to compromise on size with the wife (story of my life.... ). its still in the box, so haven't started the process of cycling yet, but I am very keen to make this a planted tank.

Its a small tank - 48l with dimensions of 41cm(l), 35cm(d) and 43 cm(h). It comes with a hood that has 2 lamps, one a standard 15w lamp and another 15w blue lamp for night effect.

Just looking for some guidance on the must do's and don'ts seeing as I have not started the process of cycling yet - e.g. substrate advice (like the look of sand, but considering a mix of sand and gravel for aquascaping effect), C02, easy starter plants etc. Can I start planting during the cycling phase for example, or should I wait until the amonia and nitrites are gone?

A bit generic I know, and I have already picked up a fair amount of hints and tips searching through the forums, but just looking for a nudge in the right direction before I start to spend money on it!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[aaronnorth]

with the substrate, you can grade it like this: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=264940

or you can use something like tropica or tetraplant, then cap it with sand and/ or gravel like this:

CO2, take a look at this guide for info on pressurized and fermentation: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=105266

an there is the option of using a fire extinghuisher to keep it cheaper (see 2 guides in my sig)

also you can use easycarbo as a carbon supplement or alternative becaus it is a small tank.

plants lists: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=22604

You can plant the plants when you like, i would wait until a few weeks before the end of the cycle as there is less ammonia, so less chance of algae and plants wont use as much so th

 

[Mack_Daddy75]

Thanks for your pointers mate - especially around the substrate. I think I have been suffering from information overload and have tied myself in knots with regards to choices!!

Like the idea of the 2 levels, and also the cheeky method of using a fire extinguisher for a C02 source.

This is a fantastic forum.