Start a Planted Tank

Currently have a 55 gallon standard tank stocked with 2 angelfish and 10 red eye tetras. I purchased 2 600 watt metal halides with reflectors used for 90 dollars from a guy who was moving out of the country!

I want this tank to be FANCY! Simple yet elegant, but densely planted. Like, I don't want to even be able to see the substrate!

I know that I still need:
1) Light timer
2) Substrate (recommendations?)
3) CO2 system (recommendations?)
4) Fertilizers (recommendations)

Let me know if I left anything out, or if any of the above are not necessary for success

Also, how long should I leave the lights on? It totals to about 20 watts per gallon.

Here's the link to the picture: https://www.myfishtank.net/mft-news/takashi-amano-planted-tanks/

 

Do as much research as possible. Planted tanks are awesome, but time consuming. Read all you can before you begin.
My 55 gallon has 54w T5 lights on 5 hours daily. I use DIY CO2, dry ferts, weekly 50% water change, and have lots of plants. I use sand w/ DIY fert tabs.
Research your plants well. I have 9 or more variaties growing.

 

Well, Substrate can really be anything, CO2 will probably be needed if you go to a heavy hertz schedule. As for hertz it depends on how you want to do this, liquids or dry. Theres a lot you need to think about when you go this route.

 

Gorgeous tank and fish! Always make sure to list credits for photos you use.

 

And I stress out about the 7 plants I have in my 55 gallon. I don't think I would even attempt what you are doing. However, it is going to be gorgeous when you are done!!

Good Luck.

 

I really like the ADA Aquasoil Amazonia. BUT.... it's pretty expensive.

 

https://www.myfishtank.net/mft-news/takashi-amano-planted-tanks/

There ya go

Been doing some research, and I've decided against CO2 injection
1) It can change the pH rapidly and kill fish
2) A big expense
3) A lot of people have success without it

Can I just use regular soil mixed with fine gravel?

 

You can use soil if you want to but I would do a lot of reading up on Naturaly Planted Tanks aka NPT's to ensure that you get the proper soils.

You could use Flourish Excel as a carbon source for the tank.

 

LOL very nice!

 

Link for the starter pack on dry fertlizers.

 

the dry fertz are def the cheaper way to go and if you have the time to put into the dosing and all that then def the way to go.