New to fresh water, keen on a planted nano - substrate advice?

Found the marine hobby far too time consuming, expensive, and couldn't go away on holiday without worrying.

I want to go the planted nano route. I've already got a iBox Nano from Skimz. I bought two plants (testers perhaps?) just to get the tank wet and perhaps start a cycle.

Few questions:

1.) I read ADA substrate is the way to go? Is there an alternative? I want the best/easiest to use in the long run. Where can I get it? I'm in JHB (Morningside) and ideally i'd like to get something this weekend to put in the tank.

2.) The tank's got a little clip on LED and it'll get a bit of natural sunlight. Will this be sufficient? I've seen these tanks with the same little LEDs keep a few softies and lps corals so i'm assuming they should suffice for plants?

3.) I put some bog wood in thats been in another tank - I know it will release tannins but i've heard these are good if I keep neon's or similar fish?

4.) Can anyone ID these plants? I was told they are full aquatic plants?

Thanks in advance for any advice given!

Matt

 

I think those are geared toward marine, but I'm pretty sure you could do a cool planted setup with it. I'm not sure it will be enough/the correct light, but I'm no expert. I also suck at plant ids so i cant help you there. As for the substrate, yes ada aquasoil is certainly a good choice if you can afford it. Try to get the powder type one as it is a small tank. Some of the members sell aquasoil, you can also check with some of the sponsors what they sell in terms of substrate for plants. I think I heard it mentioned that Pet Stop sells aquasoil but may be mistaken. I got mine from Sean J on this forum, only I don't think he has the powder type currently.

To keep your enthusiasm for planted going, here's a few of my favourite links for pretty planted tanks. enjoy.

http://www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/announcements/6049-first-pictures-hannover-2012-a.html

http://acuariorosa.com/2011/08/02/the-international-aquatic-plants-layout-contest-2011/

and here is a link to an awesome international forum all about hi tech planted tanks and aquascaping.

http://www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/

 

Think Sean is still on vacation .. but he brings the stuff in. very simple and easy .. pics are not that clear - so no clue on the plants. LED should be OK for the some plants - give it a bash before you pimp the tank much.

Take things slow - no reason to rush.

That tank looks so cool - it could make a nice bare bottom moss and stuff tank? BTW seems like you have no filter media .. add some batting and maybe some ceramics.