I started with a 30 gal established tank with everything you would need for startup. As time has gone by I've acquired a 60 gal tank and I'm still working with this tank, I started with a full substrate of gravel and a week ago took out both sides of gravel and replaced this with black sand without doing any research. Planted hairgrass as I like the movement in the currents. One of the questions I have is prior of putting sand should I have put a bottom layer of flourite or other type of enriched substrate? I've picked up more plants as this 60 gallon tank has only real plants in it. I used rubber cove base from Home Depot to seperate my gravel from the sand and will keep all of the roots from spreading into the gravel. My next tank will be a much larger one (if wife will let me) for a discus tank. Really enjoy this hobby and it has a very calming effect on our home.