Planning My 30 Gallon Tank

[ir0n_ma1den]

HI everybody. I've not been on this site for a while, but am still maintaining my tiny 10 gallon tank( I'll post pictures of it soon). Anyways, my parent wouldn't let me get a 55gallon tank but will reluctantly let me get a 30 gallon tank. I want a planted barb tank mainly featuring tiger barbs.
First of all i need suggestions for equipment: Heater?(im thinking visitherm stealth), lighting?, filter? (HOB aqua clear or rena xp)

My main dilemma is what type of growth medium should i use? . I have seen a few people use only top soil from their local garden center and have had great success with their plants and fish. I don't know whether to use something like eco-complete or top soil. I also want to know whether i should use sand or gravel. I want to know what are some good plants to start out with. My goal for this tank is to have it basically run itself with minimal water changes(just like an actual habitat).

My last question is what are compatible with barbs??? I am really excited about this tank and want to start it asap. I am planning to make a journal about it and post it!!!

I would greatly appreciate some help!!!!

thanks everybody

 

[ir0n_ma1den]

I briefly skimmed petsmart.com to get an outline of the main products that may work with the 30 gallon tank.
*Rena filstar xp2 OR 2x 70 aqua clear filters OR 1x 110 aqua clear filter
*200w visi-therm stealth( i have a 100w one and i love it)
*A twin-tube fluoresent light strip
*SUN-GLO and AQUA-GLO bulbs
*Seachem Flourite Plant substrate

comments, critques, and suggestions welcomed

 

[ir0n_ma1den]

I just read George Farmer's nutrafin co2 guide and... well.. i might want to include co2 in my tank. it seems pretty easy.

 

[ir0n_ma1den]

i have a short list of some species of fish that i like. I wnat this to be a barb tank, but i have not found other variations of the barb.
tiger barbs
cherry barbs
ottos