Changing from non planted to planted tank

HI I currently have a 55 gallon tank that has fake plants and rock substrate I want to change over to real plants with a different substrate any ideas ?

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I would start with Java fern and Java moss and Some moss balls and water wisteria those are the ones I would suggest but I'm sure there is plenty other great options

 

Anubias and Crypts are both easy plants. I like a sand substrate but that's just my opinion.
Anubias, java fern and java moss are not planted usually so will be fine tied to driftwood

 

I really like the way sand looks but I'm kinda worried about have drift wood in my tank I heard if it isn't cleaned right some crazy stuff can happen to it like stuff oozing out of it

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If you just buy malaysian driftwood (most likely what your LFS sells) then all you need to do is soak it in warm water (replacing the water when it goes brown) for a couple of weeks (maximum from my experiences). It may turn the water in your tank brown but that will be easily fixed with water changes and eventually the tannins from the wood will stop browning the water.

Another option is to boil the wood and then cool it down and place into tank. With store bought driftwood I have never needed to wait longer than approx 7 days until I could put it in my tank. And sand looks so natural I think you will like it

 

Okay thanks well looks like big changes are coming can't wait to see where I take this

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Sounds good. I love a natural tank with just sand, rocks, driftwood and plants