I've set up my 55 gallon on the 25th of July, 2009. Cycle was completed on the 15th of August 2009. Before it was set up, I already planned to set up the tank as a freshwater planted tank. Bought the plants, the suitable lighting,
driftwood, the substrate and the expensive co2 system.
Pictures are below...
Added my first 3 fish which were 3 Neon tetras a day or two before the cycle was completed. Then added another 3 a week later. I then added the Pearl Gourami (because I saw it in the store begging me to buy it! LOL) after 4 days.
Now I currently have 9 Neon Tetras and 1 Pearl Gourami.
My stocking plan: 15 Neon Tetras, 10 Glowlight Tetras, 6 Cory Catfish, and 1 Pearl Gourami
Right now, my tank is a bit of a mess. Plants are dying (don't know what's the reason), glass that was supporting the top of the tank fell apart. Tried to fix it back with sealant but no luck.
So now I plan to reset my tank by removing all the live plants except the plants that are fully living, keep the driftwood and the substrate, sell the co2 system and buy some artificial plants. I plan to fill my tank with artificial plants and 2 or 3 live plants.