I agree with the loach. Trying to do a high tech type planted tank in such a small space will be difficult at best. Bear in mind that the size of the tank vs. how much water it will actually hold are two different things. One doesn't fill a tank to the top of the glass/rim. Then decor from substrate to rocks etc. all displace water which reduces the amount a tank holds. The point is the less water the harder it becomes to dose needed chemicals such as ferts accurately.
I gave up my 50 gal. high tech tank with pressurized co2 after about a decade. I finally realized this tank took more of my time to maintain due to the plants than several of my other tanks combined. I have come to love low tech planted- looks nice, works great, costs less and is much less work to maintain.
The other thing is co2 added high light tanks are the hardest to do. Starting out with one as a early or first planted tank is like trying to learn to drive in a race car. There is a learning curve in keeping aqquatic plants just like most everything in life.
I gave up my 50 gal. high tech tank with pressurized co2 after about a decade. I finally realized this tank took more of my time to maintain due to the plants than several of my other tanks combined. I have come to love low tech planted- looks nice, works great, costs less and is much less work to maintain.
The other thing is co2 added high light tanks are the hardest to do. Starting out with one as a early or first planted tank is like trying to learn to drive in a race car. There is a learning curve in keeping aqquatic plants just like most everything in life.