Not sure what to call this

[connorlindeman]

Scroll down. You need to choose the size that will work for you tank dimensions.

 

[FKIDN]

What tests are you referring to?
Cycling a tank? I thought you had kept fish before.
Or are you referring to testing for the plants?

Aquatic Plants for Beginners

Some have asked for a little write up of how I successfully grow aquatic plants. Here it is. Its geared toward the new aquatic gardener but maybe it will have something for the more experienced as well. Let’s face it—most people have no idea what they’re getting into when they step into this...

www.fishforums.net

With my saltwater tank, I tested alkalinity, calcium, nitrate, phosphate, etc. and the tank I have currently were fish I saved so I haven’t been testing the water or anything. So more of the chemical tests I am referring to

 

[connorlindeman]

With my saltwater tank, I tested alkalinity, calcium, nitrate, phosphate, etc. and the tank I have currently were fish I saved so I haven’t been testing the water or anything. So more of the chemical tests I am referring to

You will need to cycle the tank before its safe for fish.

Cycle your Tank

Cycling a tank is vital to keeping your fish alive. This section is where you can read about cycling (the nitrogen cycle) and ask questions about how to do it properly.

www.fishforums.net

 

[FKIDN]

You will need to cycle the tank before its safe for fish.

Cycle your Tank

Cycling a tank is vital to keeping your fish alive. This section is where you can read about cycling (the nitrogen cycle) and ask questions about how to do it properly.

www.fishforums.net

Yeh I understand I need to cycle, but what do I test for to see when the tank is ready for fish, ? And are there specific chemical requirements for plant

 

[connorlindeman]

Yeh I understand I need to cycle, but what do I test for to see when the tank is ready for fish, ? And are there specific chemical requirements for plant

The information on what to test the water for is in the link I sent you.
Read the link on Aquatic plants as well.

 

[MaloK]

Freshwater aquariums have some more flexibility on water parameters compared to saltwater for pretty obvious reasons.

The first thing you want to asses is. What General hardness (GH) and Alkalinity (KH) the fish you want to house requires.

During the fishless cycle, it is a good thing to have a certain amount of (KH) that is not too low because some of the bacteria you will be developing fare better with a reasonable quantity.

Then while cycling the tank, You monitor Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. Once the cycle is completed, you will have constant levels of ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm, in addition of rising nitrate. At this point the tank will be considered ready for fish.

The Tank can be cycled with or without plants. It's a little slower with plants because you can't add as much ammonia, but I prefer to it it this way because it lets a little time for the plants to establish.

 

[sharkweek178]

Hi, so I have never had a planted tank before ( I have had saltwater) and I want to create a tank similar to the one in the image, however I want mine to have a carpet of plantss/grass looking stuff, my question is, do I need a filter ? I will potentially put 2 tiny tetras in, but for the first few moth I won’t have fish. Also, is it as simple as just putting substrate in the bottom planting a few plants filling it up with water, and just leaving the light on for a few hours a day ?, and finally, if anyone has any starter tank kit recommendations that would be great.

Tetras are a schooling fish. They need to be in a larger group. At the very least 6. 10-12 or more is much better.
Schooling is a natural defense mechanism. When fish move as a group, it confuses predators. Schooling fish that aren't in a sufficiently sized group are under stress, which makes them susceptible to health problems and shortens their lifespans.