I appreciate the level of research you're willing to do before making decisions. Patience is one of the more important virtues for planted tank fans.
I only started keeping plants three or so years ago, but I've had fish for a long time. Just my opinion, but a peaceful planted community tank is preferable to one with aggression. That being said, there is no reason you can't breed multiple species of fish in one tank. My black tetras and pygmy corys have both bred very successfully with a little help.
My water is also on the hard side. The fish are fine and so are the plants. I do supplement my tap water with cool soft rainwater from my rain barrel, which always makes the corys spawn. Your water should be fine.
As far as plants, my suggestion for a new tank is to get a lot of fast growing cheap stem plants. You can use these to make sure everything is balanced in your tank. As you progress and replace these with species more to your liking you can sell or give away the initial plants on this forum. Part of the fun in keeping a planted tank is the constant change- in plant size, in species, and in layout. It's a hobby, not a static picture on your wall!
As far as the timeline: just go ahead and get plants now. They don't need a filter. Get a LOT of plant biomass. When you get your filtration set up to your satisfaction, start adding ammonia or fish food to get the cycle going.
While there is quite a bit to think about in setting up a new tank, it is supposed to be fun and exciting most of all.
Good luck, I'm looking forward to see how it turns out!
I only started keeping plants three or so years ago, but I've had fish for a long time. Just my opinion, but a peaceful planted community tank is preferable to one with aggression. That being said, there is no reason you can't breed multiple species of fish in one tank. My black tetras and pygmy corys have both bred very successfully with a little help.
My water is also on the hard side. The fish are fine and so are the plants. I do supplement my tap water with cool soft rainwater from my rain barrel, which always makes the corys spawn. Your water should be fine.
As far as plants, my suggestion for a new tank is to get a lot of fast growing cheap stem plants. You can use these to make sure everything is balanced in your tank. As you progress and replace these with species more to your liking you can sell or give away the initial plants on this forum. Part of the fun in keeping a planted tank is the constant change- in plant size, in species, and in layout. It's a hobby, not a static picture on your wall!
As far as the timeline: just go ahead and get plants now. They don't need a filter. Get a LOT of plant biomass. When you get your filtration set up to your satisfaction, start adding ammonia or fish food to get the cycle going.
While there is quite a bit to think about in setting up a new tank, it is supposed to be fun and exciting most of all.
Good luck, I'm looking forward to see how it turns out!
NO one needs to spill the beans either. She'd probably not use it again if she knew. She already bought a new food grinder from when I tried to make homemade stink bait...diff story.
