im trying to set up a planted tank..

Gravel allows greater water flow to roots getting more minerals to them. You can use plant tabs for roots to get the minerals in. The gravels mentioned will run out of minerals in about 2 to 3 months. Dosing is very similar, I have had a planted tank for 2+ yeas now.

 

Oh ok. Any other suggestions?

 

You can use a lighting period of 10 to 12 hours a day. Cycling is the same as salt except by keeping your pH at 7.0 or a little lower you keep the ammonia from being as poisonous. If you can get filter material from your buddy you can almost eliminate a cycle. You will go through algae issues just like a salt tank. Flow only needs to be 2 to 4x per hour. Rocks and driftwood, real or fake make great structure for your scape and fish. You can go an inch per gallon on the fish for starters with small fishes and higher than that with the smalls as you gain experience. Neons and Cardinal tetras make a great color splash in planted tanks. If you buy algae eaters get otocinclus and siamese algae eaters the rest are lazy at best.

 

Thanks for your advice k+

 

Seachem Flourite substrate
Canister filter
Co2 is a must
2 watts per gallon
firts not needed as long as you do 10-15% water change per week and the plants don't get to big.