WOW! I'm happy to see such a positive and fast responses!
I'm currently prepping a tank for a cherry shrimp project
(If you wanna help comment, it is in my signature)
I'll start responding in order to peoples posts!
@laurelhed -> I'd say those plants mostly require low to mid light, so you should consider your type and wattage in your tank. Usually 2-3 watts per gallon, depending on your light. I've got moss balls and Java Moss in my tank, and within 8 hours in my tank, I saw a ton of java growth. Moss balls grow about .5mm per year, and get most their nutrients from filtering the water around them. The cherry shrimp you get will be vital to keeping them healthy! Overall, I'd say try to grow plants first without ferts and then if you fail, try small doses of a few different fertilizers. Maybe we can help more once you tell us your natural results!
@Sake -> I'm already done cycling mine, but I'm actually trying to take the cycle out of the equation! Read the thread in my signature, and you can try to help add to the idea!
@Jill -> I want both of those too! My other dream invert is Thai Micro Crabs. They live their entire life cycles under fresh water and filter feed off small particles in the water. They are SO COOL. If I can't get the tiny crabs, I might consider CPOs in my 5gal, but I'm looking for advice on that one..
@Austin.b -> Good to see you here now! Haha.. What is your experience with both red and black crystal in the same tank? I thought they would interbreed? Have they yet?
@Richie1RCS -> Is your tank cycled? I'm very interested in fire reds for their beautiful deep red.. 20% twice a week shouldn't be too disturbing, unless your temperature going in is too different from the tank temp.. Is the tank planted? They may not have enough of the nutrients they need, like calcium, as Austin mentioned..