I need help getting started!!!!

[moxy1030]

I'm starting over with my 20 gal tank- I rushed headlong into setting it up and did'nt do enough research before I started, so I basically had the wrong combination of everything. I've restarted the tank and now its crystal clear with one rock that has some java fern growing off of it and 6 guppies.

1. What kind of substrate should I get for a planted tank?

2. What kinds of plants would be good that are low maintanence and hardy?

3. How important is fertilizer for a 20 gallon planted tank?

4. Do I need to have some type of water flow through the gravel/substrate?

THANKS!!!

[Ms.Bubbles]

Before I make suggestions about plants etc. I'm wondering--Is this a low-light tank (ie 20-30 watts of fluorescent light)?

If it's low light, some good hardy plants are java moss, java fern, anubias, and cryptocorynes. Javas and anubias don't need any special substrate since they are tied onto rocks and driftwood, crypts can benefit from Eco Complete, etc. but it's not necessary if you have a fair supply of nutrients in the water (ie. from fishfood, fish waste).

In a low-light tank, fertilizer is not usually necessary. These types of plants are slow growing, therefore they don't require a lot of extra nutrients in the form of ferts. A healthy feeding of fishfood is usually enough, but I like to add a tiny drop of Flourish Excel (carbon) every few days too, although it's not usually necessary.

I have 2 planted tanks with no water flow through the gravel. One of my tanks doesn't even have a filter or airpump at all!