Yes Another Plant Newbie

[marcandnic]

Hello all. Im a complete newb at all this planting and growing and i am sure you have answered similar questions lots of times before now so i apologise.

I have a rio 180 no substrate and a good layerof gravel.

I have a few plants not too sure of what they truly are. I really would like them to flourish.

My hood lighting is 30w warm white t8 and a 30w daylight t8 with light reflecter.

I just purchased some plant food (trace elements???) It was all that they had in the shop.

I want to setup a diy co2 system. I THINK i know the basics ....

Anyone got any tips or advice?

Thank you in advance

 

[RadaR]

I wouldnt attempt DIY CO2 on this size tank. It would most likley not produce enough CO2 and do more harm than good (unstable/low levels of CO2 are responsible for lots of algae issues).
Are you planning on adding more plants? Or just keeping a few?

If you only want a few in the gravel then I'd get a load of floating plants. These will block out a good amount of light therefore decreasing the demands of the plants in the gravel. Less light = less work, less nutrients and less CO2.
Have you checked out this pinned topic?