Sorry for the double post but please make sure to read my post before this one.
You should have a API master test kit and should be testing ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to make sure you tank is cycled.
For liquid fertilizers a bottle of Seachem Flourish Comprehensive and API Leaf Zone will give you a basic foundation for the micro/macro ferts you need. We can upgrade those later depending where your tank heads. A good alternative to Excel is Metricide 14. It's a generic form of Excel that's twice as strong and wayyy cheaper. You can buy a gallon bottle on Amazon or ebay for $20-$30 usually. You'll need root tabs under any heavy root feeder (think crypts, swords, etc). You can buy these commercially or make them yourself. Do a forum or google search for "diy root tab" or check out Peabody's Paradise and buy some of his RU tabs. Good stuff.
The bubble wall is up to you. If you ran co2 injection I'd recommend to take it out but right now it won't matter much either way.
I keep all of my tanks topless. It just looks cleaner to me but I do have to periodically top off water due to evaporation. A glass versa hood is a nice hood if you need.
So...okay...the substrate is sore of a big deal to me. I'm going to start this tank soon, and I definitely don't want to decide to change from sand to substrate down the road from now. I have to figure this out. Maybe I should just start with substrate as I have to take a month to cycle this tank anyway. What if I get really into this? I test ph and ammonia, what other tests will I need to run before adding fish?
I was looking at Excell. Do you have to dose everyday? I'm pretty sure that's what I read. Time will tell. If I have any luck maybe C02 tank in future. I love this hobby.
So I ordered that Finnex 24/7. I will use liquid C02 for now. Any advice on liquid fertilizers? I saw something you put down below your gravel (clay like?) but can't remember the name. Any input on that?
Oh yeah, more stupid questions...no more bubble wall right? And what type of hood do you guys use? I'm NOT handy, so no "do it yourself screens." Do you prefer plexi glass lids or screens, and do you have any recommendations?
Thank you so much for any and all help
You should have a API master test kit and should be testing ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to make sure you tank is cycled.
For liquid fertilizers a bottle of Seachem Flourish Comprehensive and API Leaf Zone will give you a basic foundation for the micro/macro ferts you need. We can upgrade those later depending where your tank heads. A good alternative to Excel is Metricide 14. It's a generic form of Excel that's twice as strong and wayyy cheaper. You can buy a gallon bottle on Amazon or ebay for $20-$30 usually. You'll need root tabs under any heavy root feeder (think crypts, swords, etc). You can buy these commercially or make them yourself. Do a forum or google search for "diy root tab" or check out Peabody's Paradise and buy some of his RU tabs. Good stuff.
The bubble wall is up to you. If you ran co2 injection I'd recommend to take it out but right now it won't matter much either way.
I keep all of my tanks topless. It just looks cleaner to me but I do have to periodically top off water due to evaporation. A glass versa hood is a nice hood if you need.