20gal tank..how's this sound?

[Russell F]

I would appreciate any help or ideas on this setup..
So far, here is what i plan on using..

-Tank = Standard 20gal long
-Filter = Fluval 103 w/submereged spray bar
-Lights = 2x20watt full-sprectrum flour.
-Substrate = 2.5" of 1-3mm sand/gravel
-Plants = Vals, crypts, anubias, hydro, rotala, small swords, etc
-Misc = And possible a diy CO2 system if yall think i need it(yeast reactor with a inline
reactor on the canister filter)

Tank is pretty shallow so lighting should be ok, but i can always remove a lamp or add lights (2watt a gall but the deepest spot in tank is 9" below water line). I have the gravel mentioned, but i might mix a bag of flourite in, but i don't want to use 100% of the flourtie if possible, too red for me....

Any recomendations or changes i should make?

I've read about soil/gravel mixes for substrates using Humus and peat, are those feasable in such a small tank?

The CO2 might or might not be used, since my water is kinda soft, i will probly need to put a handfull of arognite sand in the filter to help with PH (got 100's of pounds of this left over from my reef days, no kidding..)

Any recommendations on fertilizers, sumplements, etc?? I'm heavy into DIY stuff (also left over from reefin) so i can handle most things..

Would my planting ideas work? orther plants i shoud use instead?

Any suggestions on what or howmuch i should use on suplements?

THANKS!!!

Russell

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Russell F
I would appreciate any help or ideas on this setup.. .. it was a plant tank before and will be again but i wanna see if i can improve it....
... ... ... Any recomendations or changes i should make?
I've read about soil/gravel mixes for substrates using Humus and peat, are those feasable in such a small tank?......Any recommendations on fertilizers, sumplements, etc??.My goal is a simple, stable, pretty tank ... ... On substrates, you can't get simpler than SeaChem's Flourite or Onyx Sand or Gravel! I know Laterite works just fine, but once it's disturbed or uncovered - it can be a mess.. Flourite and Onyx has all the "good plant stuff" in it without the need for Laterite.

Link: SeaChem (http://www.seachem.com/)

[125gJoe]

If you do get the 'good stuff' from SeaChem, you will need two bags. And, if you can't find it locally, Big Al's Online will most likely have the best price.. HTH

[Russell F]

What about supplements? any suggestions?

Anything else i should/could change?

Russell