Seeking advice on a new tank. . .

Chinese suckers or more commony known as chinese algae eaters, aren't very good at eating algae and will harass other fish when they get older. If you want algea eaters for a 6 gallon, go with oto's or siamese algae eaters. They are different from chinese algae eaters, but are often sold as them. I have zebra danio's in a 29 gallon tank and they are so active and quick swimmers that I wouldnt' put them in a small tank, even though they are small.

Do you have CO2 injection? A regulator is pointless without one. Good plants for beginners are java fern, crypts, and anubias. I have had good luck with all the plants in my 29. (click on my tank specs link.)

I dose trace elements and use fish poo as food, seems to work well. I don't think laterite is necessary unless you are really getting into so more difficult plants.

The number of plants depends on the type of plant. I would say 3 differnt types. Maybe 2 small crypts in the front, a java fern in the middle and 3 or 4 stem plants in the back. It may look kinda empty at first but it will grow out once they become establish. GOOD LUCK!

shimp are great in small tanks as well for algae control. I'd get rid of the algae eater while he's still little.

Co2 is the key to great plants, that and lights. You can do a homemade CO2 machine using a bottle. For 6 gallons, I'm sure a 1/2 litter water bottle would be fine. There are recipes here and elsewhere, I liked the jellow you. I'd have to change the measurments, since they are all for 2 litter bottles. You can measure the PH and KH to figure out how much Co2 you have, you want to keep it between 20-30ppm. The great thing about pressurized systems is that they are very easy to turn on and off. I don't know a good way to turn off a DIY system, maybe you can just clamp the hose, but I fear pressure build up may be a problem.

Small tanks actually look best with fewer plant species. I'd stick to around 4 or less. You also want a focal point to really bring the eye to the tank. You really need gravel that is made for plants.

Here are some pages that can help you:
http://www.aquariaplants.com/firstplantedtank.htm
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...quascaping-principles-by-birgit-wolfgang.html
http://www.plantedtank.net/articles/Aquascaping-Principles-and-Technique/27/
http://www.plantedtank.net/articles/Basics-to-starting-a-Planted-Tank/4/
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2005.cgi?&op=ishowcase&category=0&vol=0



I would start with an attractive lower light set up with anubis nana, java lace/java fern, and mosses. Wendtii crypt and val also do well in lower light conditions, but val grows quickly, so while it is good from a hard to kill standpoint, you gotta keep on it.