Setting up my first planted tank, help & ideas?

[dalmation1080]

I have a few small betta tanks, and a divided 10 gallon for my bettas/snails/shrimp, etc.

I would like to do my first planted tank. I am planning on using a product called "eco complete" for the substrate. I have a 30-40 gallon tall hexagon tank.
Does anyone have any recommendations for hardy community fish to go into the tank? Nothing super expensive or big, just pretty. I would like go be able to add multiple snails & shrimp. I was considering a possible a pair of dwarf african frogs, but I am still debating.
I would like to have some fish who stay more at the bottom of the tank, and some who stay in the middle/top.

I am also looking for suggestions for simple/easy care plants for the tank. And I also need to replace the filter, so any filter suggestions too? Thanks everyone I look forward to the comments!


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[Hholly]

Well, depending on what your set up is... If you're wanting low tech, easy plants try rotalia, water wisteria, crypts, swords and mosses. I have personally grown these without added CO2.

Others can help you with more high tech setups. Lighting is very important. Fertilizer is important too.

I suggest looking at planted tanks and seeing what you like, then find out what those plants are.
Good luck!

 

[ericwithac]

I have a few small betta tanks, and a divided 10 gallon for my bettas/snails/shrimp, etc.

I would like to do my first planted tank. I am planning on using a product called "eco complete" for the substrate. I have a 30-40 gallon tall hexagon tank.
Does anyone have any recommendations for hardy community fish to go into the tank? Nothing super expensive or big, just pretty. I would like go be able to add multiple snails & shrimp. I was considering a possible a pair of dwarf african frogs, but I am still debating.
I would like to have some fish who stay more at the bottom of the tank, and some who stay in the middle/top.

I am also looking for suggestions for simple/easy care plants for the tank. And I also need to replace the filter, so any filter suggestions too? Thanks everyone I look forward to the comments!


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Rainbows are a good hardy fish to start with. They can be a little pricey but live aquaria has Threadfin Rainbows for 2.99.

 

[Coursair]

Tall tanks are tricky to light and due to poor surface ratio, should be stocked more lightly then a tank of equivalent gallons that is a traditional rectangle.

But it can be done. Planted tanks are awesome ?

If you Google "planted hex aquarium" you can look at images to get some inspiration.


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[Eggheadfish]

Tina beat me to it. If you want to try your hand at plants, a tall tank like a hex is tough to do it in (been there). By all means, it can be done, but you need to have adequate light reaching the plants. Plus it's a pain to move stuff around IMO, but I'm short haha. I started really doing the plant thing in a small tank and it was a great intro for me, easy to rearrange, propagation time came fast, I used less volume of ferts keeping stuff alive....I'm still a noob good luck!