New tank with new plants.... suggestions please?

[Kats]

OK, the more I research into my new tank setup, the more research I realize I need to do.... like a never ending loop!!!  Gotta love it!!

My new tank will have Java Fern, Sunset Hygrophilia and Rotala Indica....  I have not purchased my ballast yet but I'm looking into something that will give me 2WPG (for a 46G tank... HO T5 seems to be the salivating I want it toy... might go for it too... after I'm done my research!)

Would you guys have suggestions to provide about the care of those plants?  I've read stuff like substrate, CO2 and fert (which I assume means fertilizer)... any help you can offer to clear the fog in my head would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

[BigDaddy]

CO2 is not a requirement at 2 WPG.  As far as substrate goes, the plants you have picked will grow in anything, so no worries there.  As far as ferts go, you can go with a generic liquid fert regime like Seachem or Kent available at local fish stores.

[fischkopp]

In addition to BD post:

Even if CO2 is no requirement you may want to add some DIY yeast&sugar CO2 later if your tank is heavily planted and get trouble with algae. This is just a warning, I would start without it and only add it later if the plants wont grow or algae takes over ...

The same for fertilizer: dont use them in the beginning. Only if you see your plants are not doing well add some general ferts&iron. But your plants shall get most of it through feeding fish and water changes.

For substrate: take whatever you like I do like fine black gravel. It shows of the color of fish and greens the best.

[Kats]

..... may want to add some DIY yeast&sugar CO2 later ....

OK, my newbie senses are twinkiling.. ...  I will ask a silly question now..

What is DIY?

[charlie]

Do IT Yourself.

[BigDaddy]

Do It Yourself

For CO2, that means instead of a pressurized CO2 canister... you make it with yeast and sugar in a pop bottle.

[dan2x38]

DIY = Do it Yourself... there are no silly or stupid questions except one IMO... the not asked... when i do not ask it I get burned...  

Just Goggle DIY CO2, DIY aquarium stands... etc... you will be over whelmed once more...   There are tons of tricks & tips I was once told when younger, "Boy learn the trade before the tricks of the trade"... I am a slow learner so still trying the tricks 1st...  

Here a link to my DIY CO2: http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=1073

Mind you like Charlie says patiences does pay it's divends... I waited before I added the extras...

To name a few: Charlie, Babblefish1960, BigDaddy are plant gurus...