Substrate and Species!

[Equdo]

I have recently acquired a 120 gallon tank from a friend who is moving, and I want to turn it into a tropical freshwater aquarium. I also want to have it planted, as well as have some hardscaping. I’ve been looking around on the internet, but I can’t find a definite answer about how much soil and gravel to use for such a large tank. For now, I’m planning on having 1.5 inches of gravel for every 1 inch of soil, which I plan on getting from a creek behind my house (I will sundry the soil that I get for 24 hours before adding it, because apparently that will kill the bugs in it or something?) I don’t want the soil to leech out of the gravel and stain the water, but I’m not sure if I have too much or too little gravel/soil. I’m also concerned if the type of wood and stone that I put in will harm the fish I put in, because I can’t find the answer no matter how I search. I want to use Cleveland Pear Tree wood, since I recently cut one down, and some rocks that I found (once again) around my creek. Should I take off the bark? Boil the wood? I’m not sure if I’m asking for too much, but some fish species recommendations for such a large tank would be appreciated as well.

 

[ZxC]

I would just go ahead and use black diamond blasting sand, or pool filter sand, or any other inert sand.

Fertilize for the plants.

 

[rlederer]

The bark will leach more than the wood underneath and fall off fast, so just strip it off first. Soak the wood for at least a week before putting it in the tank. Boiling it first will help.