Hi, I am new to this forum and am looking for some advice. I have a 55 gallon tank which currently houses a large oscar and believe it or not a few small tetras which have survived about a year. I am moving next month and figure what better time to completely redesign my tank. I want to attempt a planted aquarium with smaller schooling fish. From what i have read thus far, i realize the crushed coral i have now is not a good choice for the bottom of a planted tank. Therefor i understand i need a plant specific substrate as well as plant specific light bulbs. My question is; what else do i need in order to establish a successful planted aquarium and is there anything i can be doing now beforehand to make the transition easier? CO2 diffuser (which i know nothing about)? New nutrients? And another thing, i have seen a few tanks with blue neon lights which go on when the main lights go out to replicate moon lighting? Does anyone know about this, and if so how does it work? Thanks. I appreciate any and all input.

To make a long story short just follow my build. I started a 75g planted low tech tank about 3 or 4 weeks ago n I detailed it all on the thread with pics n videos.
Finaly my 75g beasolbob build

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my 75g build---->http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/fin...ild-18272.html
75g beasolbob tank peat moss & safe-t-sorb 5congo tetras,2bristle nose plecs, 2 German blue Rams

thanks chillwill....i like the idea of the peat moss and safe-t-sorb. have you ever seen the blue led lights used to create that moon lit look? it looks really cool, you or anyone else know anything about them?

There just L.E.Ds alot of people make there own. I dont have them but want to make some. That way I can leave lights on at night for a while. N I think I read some where that they help stimulate breeding in some fish. But not sure if that was just in saltwater fish. I.just mostly eant them so I can se

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my 75g build---->http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/fin...ild-18272.html
75g beasolbob tank peat moss & safe-t-sorb 5congo tetras,2bristle nose plecs, 2 German blue Rams

They r just L.E.Ds. It supposed to stimulate some fish to breed I think but not sure if that was just saltwater or not. I mostly want them so I can see whats going on during night time since I stay up late.

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my 75g build---->http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/fin...ild-18272.html
75g beasolbob tank peat moss & safe-t-sorb 5congo tetras,2bristle nose plecs, 2 German blue Rams

I have a moonlight in one of my tanks.I love it.At night sometimes i will sit in the room and just watch.I only have two fish in there right now,but the gentle sway of plants in the flow of the water looks very peaceful at night.The one I have is most likely for a smaller setup but if its dark,I can see just fine.

On planted substrates,I myself like Eco Complete.Its much easier than others,and looks really nice,IMO.

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

chill will where'd you buy the safe-t-sorb from? i see ur from vineland im from cherry hill

You can get it at the Tractor Supply Company. Cost about $5 for 40lbs.

Likr JR said TSC tractor supply center. I know the is one in vineland and one in sicklerville right off the express exit. Not to sure in cherry hill

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my 75g build---->http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/fin...ild-18272.html
75g beasolbob tank peat moss & safe-t-sorb 5congo tetras,2bristle nose plecs, 2 German blue Rams