New to planted tanks
I am planning on setting up a planted fresh tank. My freshwater experience is limited. I have five years in saltwater(55,75, 180, 210, 500 in the works). I have read that freshwater is easier than salt, so I believe I am ready to dive in. I have a 30 gallon long tank that I used to use as a sump, using some old power compacts from a nem tank before the halide upgrade. I am planning on settin this up as a planted freshwater with tetras and a couple of rams and maybe a pleco after a few months. I was planning on using pea gravel for substrate but I would like ya'lls opinions as ya'll know much more than me on this issue. If pea gravel is a no go what would you recommend(money is no issue, girlfriend wants it bad).
Thanks,
Jordan