Just starting

[joeyg2100]

Ok I have read the articles on here about starting a planted tank. I was wondering if it is necessary to have a CO2 injection system in my tank. I have a good amount of fish in my 55 gallon.
9-Cardinal Tetras
2-Marble angels
6-Cory Cats
2-Plecos
2-German Rams
2-Bolivian Rams
and I am going to get about 6 more Cardinals and 2 more Angels
Will this amount of fish make enough CO2 to help out the plants. I am not going to have it heavely planted. Just a few live plants mixed with some fake plants. Will this look ok, or should I go with all real plants?
Also what would be some good plants that are easy to care for, and would be good to start out with/
I am totally new to a planted tank. Any info will help. Thanks

[Aquabum]

Are you using a regular strip light?

[joeyg2100]

I have two stip fixtures with 2 fixtrues in each.

[Aquabum]

In a 55 gal. tank, you will be much better off using pressurized co2.

Adding a lot of fish to supply co2 for your plants is not a good idea. I've never heard of this method being used. In my opinion, all you're adding is a big bio load which your tank doesn't need.

You said that you have two striplights with two bulbs each? Are they 40 watts each? If I'm correct, you have about 3 wpg on your 55, right? If so, co2 is the only way to go if your going to start a planted tank. With that much lighting, you'll need co2 to keep a nutrient balance for your plants.

If you want to keep live plants with fake ones, you can do so, but why? I think that people will immediately notice fake from real. It might not look appealing. That, of course is your preference if you decide to go for both.

Let me know if I'm correct about the wattage per gal.

HTH

Lissette

[nursie]

If you kept with low lights, Flourish Excel is a good way to go for supplying carbon to a 55 gallon. I've been running mine that way. it depends on how much light you have...how many bulbs and what wattage.
Definitely don't get more fish. it doesn't work that way.