Successful conversion to real plants

[_newbie_]

I have recently converted from fake to real plants with just a couple of hiccups along the way.
I was told to put peat under the gravel but it floated.
I didnt recognise a hair algae until it had taken over the bottom of the tank. So I completely stripped the tank, ammonia dipped all the plants, and boiled the driftwood and substrate (gravel and peat mixed together).
Since then the plants have really taken off. Yesterday I rearranged the plants because origionally I just threw in whatever plants I could buy to see what survived.
The fish ate all the duckweed even though they are well fed, apart from that none of the plants have died.
I'd like to double the wpg as soon as I have the money.

Pics soon to come.

 

[misopeenut]

specs? your tank size, lighting, filter, and such would be great
what kind of peat are you putting in?? i used to put dry peat, the ones you get for gardens, eveytime id take the plants out, all the peat will float to the top because its so light making the water dirty.

 

[_newbie_]

28"x12"x12" coldwater tank.
Single strip 'Aqua One' light model AL-20 (20w).
Fluval 1plus filter.
Flourish ferts, general and excel.
Aquarium peat, even after boiling it it still stirs up easily so I have to rinse the filter often.
Plants:
java moss
some kind of micro sword (I think)
dwarf sag grass
camboba *sp*
fanwort?
3 other varieties I don't know the names of.

Here are some pics taken prior to my rearranging yesterday. Sorry for the poor quality.

 

[_newbie_]

I'm glad the fish ate the duckweed though, it was messy and blocked too much of the light.