im trying to set up a planted tank..

got mine at petsmart petco would prob have it though

 

heres what i use:
CaribSea Aquarium Sand - Décor - Fish - PetSmart

rinse it really good though

 

11 or 13 would prob be good it has to be an odd number

 

Heater

 

-about 2 watts per gallon would do (unless you want to get plants that require higher lighting).
-You could use sand but gravel is much better, I recommend eco-complete or seachem substrate (I use eco-complete but both are good).
-ditch the cichlids or keep the cichlids and lose the plants, most cichlids will destroy plants.
-a hang on back will do. If you want you can get a bigger one than recommended for better filtration, but it's not necessary.
- the filter will oxygenate the water, plants also absorb CO2 and release O2.
-Using substrate like the ones I recommended will add the necessary elements to the water, you could also dose with liquids or tabs.
* you will find that keeping planted aquariums is much like keeping a reef.

 

Ups yeah! Lol can't forguet that!

 

Fish numbers don't need to be odd for Tetras, barbs yes.

 

heres a good website and local club for freshwater

Atlanta Area Aquarium Association Forum

 

Yeah I guess I'll have to ditch the cichlids.. Or which one would you rather do?
That's cool! That's there is similarity.. Although I don't really dose things to my reef.
what's the advantage of having gravel over sand?

 

what he recommended inst gravel but I guess for plants with deep roots gravel is better