New To Planted Tanks

[Alexp08]

Ive had fish for quite some time now. But ive never went for a planted tank. ive had two experiences with live plants in tanks. The first was a 10 gallon and it was a rather horrible experience. Im not sure have plant i had but it blew up and took over the tank. The 2nd wasa today when i bout 3, i believe they were called banana plants today for my 3 gallon tank. 
 
So well anyways i want to do a full planted tank. Im thinking a 10 gallon so i can get the hang of it. 
first question, are there like a beginner plants?
next, do i have to hook up a co2 tank?
3rd, mentioning that its going to be a 10 gallon can someone recommend a good light source
4th and lastly for now, what substrate should i get? im sure this is going to relate to what plants i get, but like i said im looking for beginner plants. 
 
Thanks!

 

[Zikofski]

okay firstly there are two types of planted tanks u can go for, low tech tank, with not much light, u don't need to add fertiliser and u don't add co2, cheap easy to do but plants will grow slowly and it can limit you to what plants u can get,
 
the other side is a High tech tank with high lighting, aiming for 2wpg or above seems to work well for most, now if u go down this rout u need co2 fertiliser and good lighting,
 
"first question, are there like a beginner plants?"
YES, anubias, valis, crypts are all easy growing work well in high or low light you can't really go wrong with those
 
"next, do i have to hook up a co2 tank?"
there are many threads on this site letting u know how to sort out co2 best method for me is injected but it is expensive to start up, but imo cheaper over a long period. but if u go with a low tech setup then u don't need co2, you can also get liquid co2 but stuff like valis won't grow in that and just die off. but its good method for nano tanks and cheaper short term more expensive long term in my eyes
 
 
"3rd, mentioning that its going to be a 10 gallon can someone recommend a good light source"
hm i would go with either a specific LED set i build my own led's but it can be complex, but if you go with traditional T8 tubes then aim for 20w from a single or two bulbs, more the better for a high tech tank and if u want a low tech tank then 10w of lighting
 
4th and lastly for now, what substrate should i get?
okay substrate there are LOTS to choose from but it all really does the same thing some have more nutrients than others but imo they all do the job well, it more comes down to what grain size u want and what colour u want, i like black and i prefer a more sand feel than a gravel feel so i choose smallest grain size i can in my sig picture i use seachem flourite black sand and thats very expensive but works well for me
 
hope i answered your questions  

 

[Alexp08]

Okay so I think i will be going with a low tech tank. other than the plants mentioned, what others will work in a low tech?

 

[BenVernon]

Java Ferns are great for beginners and very hardy. Dwarf Sagittaria is also an option and grows extremely fast. And yes as mentioned, Crypts are good. I recommend Crypt Parva and Crypt Wendtii. They are fairly common and can be found at your LFS however they grow very slowly. If you need some more plant ideas go to this link -> http/www.buzzle.com/articles/low-light-aquarium-plants.html

 

[Alexp08]

So im looking at a 10gallon from walmart for 30$. It comes with a 2watt LED. will that be sufficient or do I need more?

 

[Zikofski]

EDIT, yea should be for a low tech tank, but won't hurt to add a little more, my 23gal has 45W of light and thats high lighting