Starting New Planted Tank

[Christi_22]

Hi Everyone

I am in the process of starting up/cycling a 36 US gallon planted tank. L39xW12xH18" I would like a sand based substrate (as I will have Cory Cats in the tank), but wondered which kind would be best, and also whether I need to add any other "plant friendly" substrate such as peat?

Also, has anyone bought their plants from Ebay. I have seen some good deals, (i.e. 25 plants for £4.99).

Finally (for now anyway). should I cycle the tank first and then add the plants? (I will be using a combination of mature media and Ammonia). Filtration will be Eheim External Pro 2324

Hope someone can help
Many thanks
C

 

[Christi_22]

Hi Everyone

I am in the process of starting up/cycling a 36 US gallon planted tank. L39xW12xH18" I would like a sand-type based substrate (as I will have Cory Cats in the tank), but wondered which kind would be best. I know it does depend on plant types etc, but i,m just starting out with my first properly planted tank and any help would be very appreciated.

Also, has anyone bought their plants from Ebay. I have seen some good deals, (i.e. 25 plants for £4.99).

Finally (for now anyway). should I cycle the tank first and then add the plants? (I will be using a combination of mature media and Ammonia). Filtration will be Eheim External Pro 2324

Hope someone can help
Many thanks
C

Also, has anyone used Carobsea Eco Complete Substrate. I have been doing a bit of research, and this seems to be Q Good.

 

[Nick16]

eco complete is fine. however if you do choose some substrates they leach ammonia for the first couple of weeks so plenty of water changes and i suggest no fish obviously.

plants off ebay are generally crap, most are non aquatic or very small and die pretty quick. also, most of them require high light and good care and as most people cant provide this they die and its a waste. do some reserach on the plants and then buy individually. if your new to the plant scene go for easy growers like anubias, java fern, swords, crypts etc.

 

[Christi_22]

eco complete is fine. however if you do choose some substrates they leach ammonia for the first couple of weeks so plenty of water changes and i suggest no fish obviously.

plants off ebay are generally crap, most are non aquatic or very small and die pretty quick. also, most of them require high light and good care and as most people cant provide this they die and its a waste. do some reserach on the plants and then buy individually. if your new to the plant scene go for easy growers like anubias, java fern, swords, crypts etc.

OK. cool & thanks for your reply. Reading the Ebay feedback for the seller (of plants) it seemed like a good deal.

In terms of some substrates leaching Ammonia, not a problem, as I will be cycling the tank with Ammonia anyway.

I have also done a little more looking up about Eco Complete. I'm not convinced it is suitable for Cory Cats. Everywhere seems to recommend fine sand, (but that seems to have its drawbacks also) I'm still investigating, as I want a planted tank and happy Cory's but if anyone can advise that would be great.