55 gal medium planted tank

[Micco28]

Stock list-
Odessa Barbs (Puntius ticto): 6
Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya): 6
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi): 6
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio): 6
Peppered Cory Cat (Corydoras paleatus): 6
Rio-Negro Pleco (L 135) (Peckoltia sp. platyrhyncha): 1

Advice on plants, filter, and substrate please!

 

[Micco28]

I would like Low-Moderate light plants and I would like to have a large foreground and small/minimal mid- and background. (I may make the midground wrap around the sides to give that more depth and a different look)

On substrate I would prefer something that not going to need to be fertilized every week.

With the filter I would prefer either HOB filters or a canister because in some of my reading they discourage sumps (some even HOBs) because they allow more CO2 to leave the water which is needed by the plants.

 

[ktomminello]

Cryptocoryne, java fern, monosollenium tenerum, anubias to get you started on plant ideas.

I've found a mixture of sand and laterite with root tabs placed next to the nutrient hogging plants helps reduce the need for excessive ferts.

I have had the best luck in the world with internal power filters, especially with adjustable flow and flow direction models... However, you do give the space and a lot of times maintenance can be difficult.

Hope that helped

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