Help me plan my 40 gal long

[Psychocircus91]

This will be my first planted tank. I currently have a saltwater reef, so not completely new to aquariums.

I have a ton to learn so bear with me. I plan to set up an Amazon River biotope Here's what I think I am getting. Please throw in what else I will need or should change.

40 gallon long tank + stand
48" 2 lamp t5ho aquaticlife fixture. Please recommend bulbs.
Some type of HOB filter. Again, recommendations.
Miracle grow +playsand for substrate
A liquid carbon source
liquid fertilizer
A circulation pump (if needed?)

Am I missing anything?

 

[Fishperson]

For filter, I would do an aquaclear 70. I don't know about plants, but I can give you good suggestions about the fish. I have a 20 gallon amazon biotypeish tank. Its in my signature. It is unplanted. I would like to have plants, but I decided that I wouldn't try them on my first tank.

 

[Psychocircus91]

For filter, I would do an aquaclear 70. I don't know about plants, but I can give you good suggestions about the fish. I have a 20 gallon amazon biotypeish tank. Its in my signature. It is unplanted. I would like to have plants, but I decided that I wouldn't try them on my first tank.

Thanks. I definitely want to do a school or two of tetras. I've heard rams can be hard. Any issues with yours?



Oh yeah and I will have a heater of course.

 

[Psychocircus91]

is a t5ho fixture a poor choice for an amazon biotope? they are typically lower light

 

[Fishperson]

I don't know about lighting. I said my tank is a biotypeish because I use gravel, not sand, and it doesn't have plants and the lights are pretty bright. I don't know much or anything about lights.

EDIT:
But my fish all come from the amazon river area.