Nebbie Here and Need some help

[Androider4Life]

Interested in running a basic planted tank with some fish. Would like to stay away from CO2 if possible

Heres what I have:
- 30 gal Tank
- Fluval 405 Canister Filter
- Heater, lights and ect...


What I would like:
- Plants that can survive with out CO2 injection
- Black substrate (would consider others)
- Rocks
- wood
- Fish that wont eat the plants

Not sure where to start as in best substrate (rock, soil?), plant and fish combination. I want colorfull...As in black base, bright green plants (full looking) and a few colorful fish to make it pop and fish that wont eat or dig up the plants

If you need more info or links to other tanks I have seen to see what I am looking to end up with please let me know.

Links to Tanks I like:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. One of my favorites
7. Like the tree

[Green_Flash]

This is a great list of easy low light plants:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=56042

[mitchfish9]

If you find the right amount of light, you can grow a decent variety of plants without co2 or excel. Check out my 26g bowfront in my sig for plant ideas.

In my opinion, definitely do a dirt substrate with a sand cap. If you want a nice cheap black sand check out black diamond blasting sand. Looks great! My friend has it in his 75. As for fish, most community fish won't eat plants...

[GMYukonon24s]

Welcome to the forum.

[Androider4Life]

Originally Posted by mitchfish9

If you find the right amount of light, you can grow a decent variety of plants without co2 or excel. Check out my 26g bowfront in my sig for plant ideas.

In my opinion, definitely do a dirt substrate with a sand cap. If you want a nice cheap black sand check out black diamond blasting sand. Looks great! My friend has it in his 75. As for fish, most community fish won't eat plants...

Great tank!! Thats the exact road I want to go down. I'll have to shop around for a big log like that. No local shop around beside Petco and they dont have much selection.