Hi all,

I stay around PJ. Have read fair bit on this forum, it gives me great pleasure learning so many things from enthusiastic experts in planted tanks.

FYI, I had 2 years of breeding goldfish and now tire with it so have decided to switch my 3ft tank to planted tank for a try. I want to start slow so planning to just get beginners' plants that require low lighting & easy to maintain plants.

I have got the gravel & Fert and Co2 system sorted out after reading enough fr this forum :

For my base : Got the 200l Dennerle fert & 35kg holland sand & 500g Aquaclay substrate

Co2 : Got Co2 regulator (auto) and 2kg tank from Hardware store (recommended in forum). Bought the rest of the accessories from a fish shop in Kepong.

Tank : Existing 3 Ft

Lighting : existing 2 light - 20w Powerglo and AquaGlo (Hagen)

Filter : Rena XP2

Anyway, I need advice on a few things from experts in the forum :-

1) Please recommend some beginers' plants that can easlier grow ? I know of the basic such as Java Fern & Anubias . i) Which type of plant to get for the front of the tank, ii) in the middle iii) the back of the tank iv) do you really need any floating plants for beginer.

2) I think reading fr this forum, my lighting will not be sufficient, but since I am trying to get plants that require low lighting, will it be fine for 40w (2 x 20W lighting) or can I switch the tube to something more powerful ? Any recommendation ? I do not intend to get another lighting until later.

3) What sort of algale eaters should I get for a start ? I understand a variety is good, but please provide some name that the local fish shop has it & the price.

4) What fish and prawn are compatible to planted tanks ? Am thinking of Neon Tatra and crystal prawn. Any suggestion snail that dont eat plants ? What else can I put ?

5) Can I use the waterflow pump for planted tank ? I find it a waste since I used it for my goldfish for bubbles and waterflow. Reading fr forum, it is not advisable to use it as it will get rid of the Co2 in the water. Is that true ?

6) For 3ft tank, how many bubble per second should I tune it ? I was told to put 2 bubble per second for 3 ft. Is it enough. Am using a cheap ceramic disuffer.

7) I have not use my Rena filter for 1 mth, is it ok to just wash my filter with water and continue to use the mediums in the filter such as, bio-rings, etc ? Just worry that other bacteria has started to grow inside that can kill my fish & plants later.

Anyway, where to get good reasonable price plants, fish, prawn ? I heard of 88 Marine, NA and East Aqua. Where will be better & cheaper ? I dont see any snail for sale in any of the fish shops also ? I plan to go this weekend to get the plants.

Wld greatly appreciate feeback or if you can email me directly. I am trying to get all the sifu's advice before I start my planting & they will be no turning back....

kevinPJ