where to start?

Hey every body. I am new to the aquarium hobby. Its always interested me. And I was givin a 55 gal fish tank. And I don't know where to really start. I have an idea tho. Soo here it is. What I would like to do is have all live plants. I was told about dwarf grass that's is suppose to take over the bottom of the tank and make it look like grass. Also I don't want regular fish tank grave I want like river rock up to golf ball size but not sure if plants can grow in that. And ibalso want a piece of drift wood. With a led hood. That's my idea. But I have no idea where to start I wana start the plants before I get any fish. So I guess what I'm askin is what do I need to start. If you could help me out with tips and suggestions they would be greatly appreciated thanks!

 

I decided that I wanted a low tech tank...no CO2, basic lights, easy plants...so I researched low light, easy plants...anubias, java ferns, swords, and others. I had a tank in the past with the noted plants for 2 years and never added anything and it flourished fine. I think you have to decide how much maintenance you want to do to the tank in the beginning and then plan around that..same with fish. This is just my experience in the past tanks. Again, research well on planted tanks, fish, requirements, lighting, etc, to prevent some of the problems down the road. Should be lots of experience and advice on here.

 

Like Birdermom said it is all up to what plants and fish you want. Some fish go with certain plants but some fish just uproot or eat your plants. As for substrate river rock that big might be ok but I would put a good plant substrate down. I use some and it works great. When you say you want an LED hood are you talking just the cheap $50 hood from your LFS or are you getting a $200+ led hood? That could make a world of difference. If you could post more of what you were planning it would help us out more to figure out what you want to do and help you get on your way.

 

I was thinking just 2 led hoof from meijers. And I really don't know what I want lol. Like I said I want the dwarf grass and a few plants for the fish to hide in and some drift wood. I can do some more plant research when I get home and I can get back to you guys with my plan thanks much!

 

Just make sure if your getting a normal led hood you stay with moderate to low light plants. I am currently switching from cfl lights to an led fixture but I'm getting a high light output led system to get my reds and crypts to grow

 

Welcome to FishLore!

I highly recommend you readup on and fully understand the nitrogen cycle (<--words should be link to an article about it) since it is the most important thing to underdstand when keeping fish.

Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have about the nitrogen cycle (or anything else).

Best of luck!