This was my first tank I got last year in July.
I converted it to a dirted tank with sand cap about 2.5 weeks ago. I used organic potting soil and capped that with caribsea aquarium sand, some river rocks and a bit of gravel.
I have a dragon stone and spider wood. Lots of plants (don't know their names), they are thriving. The tank has been stable at zero ammonia since the start.
No CO2 and no ferts. A small HOB to keep the water moving. I am using the concept of the alternative aquarium, which is based on the concept of the Walstad method.
Current inhabitants are: 1 oto cat, 1 pygmi cory, 1 drawf aquatic frog, 6 espi/porc chop rasboras, and a mystery snail.
Very nice. What type of lights are you using.
I am using the marineland basic aquarium light.