Rather than initially link to another website that prominently features a forum, wouldn't it be better to just answer the question yourselves and show a newcomer just how informative
this site can be. I'm not saying that the sites above aren't good, some of them are great, but why not give people a chance to answer before linking automatically to a forum?
For instance...
There are many ways to set up a planted aquarium. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the major methods.
1. High-tech: Usually involves CO2 injection (for your size tank, pressurized is a must, smaller tanks can get away with a Yeast-based reaction), between 1.5-3WPG of lighting (again, dependant on the size of tank you go for, the smaller the tank the more light it needs, but your tanks are quite large, so I wouldn't go past 2WPG), a fert regimen of some type (either in the substrate or fed through the water column) where macronutriens (Nitrogen, Potassium, etc) and micronutrients are dosed. This is generic, of course, there are many themes and variations. Plants with this method, in general, again, can grow rapidly and very well, but there is a risk of algae if the system is not in balance (mostly due to a lack of CO2 or a deficiency of some nutrient). A challenging, yet rewarding undertaking for a planted tank, but possibly the method that can also cause the most problems if not maintained well. Usually calls for large, weekly water changes (50%) to reset the nutrient levels in the water, especially if you use the EI method of fertilisation. Greatly recommended if you enjoy rapid growth, gadgets, and constant tank tweaking. Light fish stocking also recommended as you don't want them to contribute much to the fert equation.
2. El Natural: A method illustrated by Diana Walstad's book "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" (A good read if you have the time. In a nutshell, lower light levels (though I've seen acceptions, probably more like 1.5-2.5WPG, but it varies more), uses soil substrates, may or may not implement natural sunlight, light fish stock, light mechanical filtration, etc. It seems to me an attempt to recreate more of a self-sustaining system. Water changes are not encouraged in this method, some sources recommend every 6 months with only top-offs. Again, like the high-tech, above, this method has also been adapted to suit the needs of the aquarists. I've seen Walstad tanks in sizes ranging from 2.5g to over 100g.
3. Low-light/Low-tech: For tanks less than 55g about 1-1.5WPG, for larger systems 1WPG can be done if the lighting is good quality with reflectors. Slow-growth, low maintenance is the key here. CO2 is optional, but can be used to good effect. Substrate can be inert (what I use) or nutrient-rich. If using a nutrient-rich substrate, however, try to plant very densly with stemplants, as I have observed that sometimes the plants don't grow at a rate that utilizes all the nutrients in the aquarium and people have had algae problems despite the lower light levels. Water changes are not as crucial as in the high-tech method, but more frequent then El Natural. You also have more flexibility with fish stock, especially if the tank is densly planted. Dosing ferts can become optional, especially as the tanks age. The biggest drawback is that plant choice is more limited (without CO2 to soften the water and reduce the pH, and the reduced lighting). You can, however, still enjoy a lovely tank with contrasting leaf shapes and patterns, if you research your species well. It is also a good method for those with MTS (multiple tank syndrome) as they are a bit easier to maintain and for first-timers as the lower light levels make growth slower and more easy to manage, and algae problems are less overwhelming.
Of course, there are bastardizations of all three of the above methods. There are low-light tanks that use EI, there are high-tech tanks that do not. There are new innovative ways to grow lawncovers using emersed growth techniques, etc. The list really goes on. I would suggest that you decide what you wish to accomplish with your tank and research the method that most appeals to you. Takashi Amano and Tom Barr are authors (books and online) of the more high-tech methods, though Barr does some lovely things with lower light levels as well. Read the Walstad book for her method on El Natural. As for the low-tech/low-light method, that one experiences the most variation, and I've not really seen a nice book out there. I have the Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants by Peter Hiscock (literally his name, poor man), but the methodologies are out-dated. I also like the Baensch Aquarium atlas series for some general information on planted tank setup and plant species. Good stuff. Much of the literature will base WPG on normal output T12s or T8s (I can never remember, nor do I particularly care), but lighting has come along way, and Power Compacts and T5s can allow you to get away with a lot less light wattage-wise and still grow some pretty lovely plants.
I do not advocate a specific method. I'm pretty busy, so right now, I adapt the low-light/low-tech method to suit my needs, but I've done high-tech tanks two, and honestly rate them about equal in appeal.
Feel free to read the pinned articles above written by George Farmer and check out some of the detailed plant species indexes (sp) in the Index at TFF. I have an easy plant list in my signature. Finally, read through the journals and Members tank section. The journals are very detailed accounts (including algae pitfalls and CO2 catastrophes). The Member's Tank section represents a culmination of some of our best Planted tanks at TFF, and the methods and scaping are well-explained.
I hope this helps. Again, not saying that the websites recommended to you are poor, they are excellent (though check the first link, didn't work for me), I encourage members to take the time to actually write out answers before resorting to the links. Also, if you choose to link, try to link directly to the article and bypass the forum of that site alltogether, but let others attempt to answer the question first.
Good luck to you, Devocole. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us, and have fun with your planned tank.
llj
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