90gal planted question

[Keeper]

I plan on starting up a 90gal planted tank. My questions are as follows.
How long should the tank run before adding plants?
How long should it run before adding fish?
How many fish should be added at 1 time?
Any recommendations on fish that do well in a tank like this or fish that are just fun?

This is my first big tank so any advice would be great

Thanks

 

[BrianNY]

Hi Keeper. 90 gallons is a super tank . Planted tanks are awesome but can be tricky too. I suggest you read the FAQs under planted tanks here to help you get started.

I like to add all the plants when I first set up the tank. As far as fish, in that size tank, I'd let the tank run for a week before adding any. What kind of fish are you planning on?

 

[Keeper]

I'm still trying to decide on fish...definitely tetras(i like the zebras), angels, maybe loachs of some sort but I don't know alot about them. I still have a "little" research to do regarding fish.

I also need a good place to get a ballast, end caps and VHO bulbs. The place I normally shop at quoted me $499.00 for ballast and $30 for each bulb. All in Canadian dollars. Sounds a little pricey to me!

Thanks

 

[BrianNY]

That sounds a bit high to me too. Even in Canadian bucks. I purchased a 6 X 55 brite lite kit from AH Supply for just over $300 US for my 125 gal.

Bigger tanks are terrific but it means bigger accessories and bigger bucks