Help with Substrates and such :P

[francis]

Hi everybody, I have been stalling on setting up my tank until I got my decorations first but I had some questions about substrate.

I was looking at Volcanit Aquarium Substrate, 15 lbs. by AquaMedic - AquaCave simply because I like the way they look. Can I get some advice if this is an okay substrate?

I am looking to get some low light beginner plants for my tank and I was just wondering what I should be looking for when purchasing substrate and any other decorations. Thanks for any help!

OH! sorry last note, I have a 40 gallon bowfront and I was just wondering how much substrate I would need. I am going for a decorated "painting" looking tank where I would like a creative outlet

 

[tyspot1000]

That seems like a great substrate. You should probably put around 45-50 pounds of substrate since it is going to be a planted tank.

 

[BigJim]

Looks good, but it's going to cost you. 2.5"-3" is the recommended substrate depth for a planted tank. I put 50lb of play sand in my 29g to get about 3" of depth. This stuff is probably less dense, so you'll get more volume for the weight, but I still think I'd order three bags.