where to start? ~40 gal planted/tropical?

[MDDad]

Currently, all we have is a small (1") female Betta in a 1.75 gal tank w/filter and heater.

We'd like to get a ~40 g planted tank (freshwater/tropical).

We'd love to have the Betta live w/the new community, but we can leave her solitary if that's better.

We want a planted tank and can maintain warmth if need be.

Where to start?

As far as lighting - what kind/intensity of lighting do I need for a healthy planted tank? Should I have a timer for 12 hrs on/off or is another timeframe better?

The tank will be in a living room.

What kind of fish do you recommend? I have two sons age 5 and 7 with some interest in it as well, but as most of you parents know, I'm sure I'll be doing 99% of the maintenance!

[Delapool]

Originally Posted by MDDad

Currently, all we have is a small (1") female Betta in a 1.75 gal tank w/filter and heater.
We'd like to get a ~40 g planted tank (freshwater/tropical).
We'd love to have the Betta live w/the new community, but we can leave her solitary if that's better.
We want a planted tank and can maintain warmth if need be.
Where to start?
As far as lighting - what kind/intensity of lighting do I need for a healthy planted tank? Should I have a timer for 12 hrs on/off or is another timeframe better?
The tank will be in a living room.
What kind of fish do you recommend? I have two sons age 5 and 7 with some interest in it as well, but as most of you parents know, I'm sure I'll be doing 99% of the maintenance!

Hi, are you going to be running CO2 injection at all? Also how high is the tank.

Light timer will depend on light power but I'd suggest 7 to 8 hours to start with. Lower if algae gets too much. LED lighting has come a long way and I'd suggest that as you don't need to keep buying bulbs every 9 months or so then.

Liquid carbon dosing (glut) will add some carbon (not much) but is handy on algae control.

Welcome to API Fishcare: CO₂ BOOSTER®

I'd also suggest a solution / vial test kit to measure nitrates and phosphates. And aim for say 20ppm nitrates and 1 to 2ppm phosphates roughly. Nitrates higher than say 40ppm are not needed for planted tanks if you also have sensitive fish. Some thoughts.

[gemach7]

An option as far as stocking, could consider a beta sorority tank? For this I'd recommend at least 5 female betas. Any less and the hierarchy could be too small and one fish could be picked on too much.

Just one of a few options you have.

Another option to the light and plants is floating plants. They do not require injected co2 as they get from the air.


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[Coursair]

40g standard tanks have great floor space and aren't too tall for good lighting.

If it was me ?
Big group of one species of Corydoras
They look awesome in larger numbers

Big group 12 or more of a flashy Tetra or Rasbora

BN Pleco or Otos

Amano Shrimp

Pearl Gourami -1