[philipraposo1982]

If you buying plants fro. Local fish stores they likely come from emersed growing conditions. Expect most plants to melt in that case.

You need a butt load of plants or you will not have success. Get packages from other hobbyist that have grown their plants in their tanks. You will have far better success.

You shouldn't run lights for longer than 6-7/hours till your plant mass increases substantially.

 

[philipraposo1982]

Planting a few at a time will be alot harder on you and your wallet. Otherwise there simply isn't enough plant mass to outcompete algae and certain death.

The only way to avoid this is with low low light conditions and ferns or similar plants with slow growth rates

 

[philipraposo1982]

Not enough for a tank that size.