Advice on Planted Tank for Tetras

[Kerrinne]

Once I get my larger tank next year, I wanted to turn my 10 gal that I currently have into my 'tetra tank', as I have mentioned in other posts. Althought I am teetering now on a 20 gal for the tetras and using the 10 gal for my QT tank.

Anyway regardless of the tank, I have read that tetras look fantastic and thrive well in a planted tank. I just simply have no idea where to begin. What type of substrate? What type of plants? If I keep my 10 gal will I need to change my lighting? It currently has 2 15w/120v bulbs on it. The light fixture came with the top of the tank, I just had to buy the bulbs.

Can someone start me off on this game board in a direction? I would really love to see my favorite types of tetra schooling about in leafy greens.

TIA!

 

[Allivymar]

I have dwarf gouramis and neon/cardinal tetras in my planted 10g.

I have Tahitian Moon sand (lovely black sand) with a layer of laterite underneath as substrate.

I have 32.5 watts of plant light on there, and 17.5 watts of actinic; I discovered neon/cards and dwarf gouramis look AWESOME under actinic light, so I sacrificed some wattage to get that effect of them practically glowing. Figure on at least 3 watts per gallon which is what you seem to have; dunno what sort of spectrum those lights on your tank have tho.

I have a mix of: anubias, amazons, cryptocorynes (sp), cyperus helferi, 2 marimo balls and what may be some sort of sag. And maybe some other plants LOL I'm such a newbie at this. The anubias is really too big a plant for a 10g; I prune it weekly and it still tries to push to top off the tank LOL

I also have one of those Hagan Nutrafin CO2 thingies. It definitely has made a diff.

The tank has been up and running since August

Here's my 5 lil buggers in a recent pic of my tank:
http://www.myaquaria.com/gallery/planted-10g/planted_11_9_03_1
http://www.myaquaria.com/gallery/planted-10g/planted_11_9_03_2