CO2 Acidity in Planted Tank with Fish

[Mortis]

Hi everyone !

I plan on getting a new 29 G tank ( 24L x 18W x 15H ) and making it into my first planted tank .
One of my main concerns is that since there will be some fish in the tank and CO2 is required for
healthy plants , will the increase in acidity caused by the CO2 harm the fish ? Ill be putting in some
fancy guppies ,which from from what Ive read prefer slightly alkaline water so would it be ok for
them or should I ditch the CO2 ? Plus if I do add a teeny amount of salt in the tank would it harm most
plants ?

I think I could fit in about 15-20 fish in my tank but I plan on stocking only 8 - 10 of them so would
I still need a filter considering the tank will be pretty heavily planted ? Will a Sponge Filter do?

Could you guys suggest a good algae-eating fish or shrimp which is small in size and doesn't grow over
3-4 inches max and is compatible with guppies and doesn't ruin the plants. Also which are some good
foreground and mid ground plants with small leaves or grassy in appearance and some good carpet
plants/mosses other than Java moss that I can use (pls give common as well as scientific names
if possible).
Finally is 15 inches an Ok height for a planted tank or should I increase it to 18 inches.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mgamer20o0]

well most people have fish in there planted tanks. the co2 wont harm the fish. as long as the ph is stable the fish should be fine. i feel there is no reason to add salt or anything to a tank unless your trying to treat something. if the tank is healthy it doesnt need salt. plus plants make the tank healthier. i am also a big fan of overstocking. plants make a good biological filter. what you need is a good mechanical filter. i use floss in my canister to give it some extra help. ottos are great tank cleaners. they stay small and so many people love them. 15 inch hight is great. i think its better to have a longer wider tank then a taller tank.

i like to use this website to look for plants.
http://www.aquahobby.com/e_garden.php