Who Gives A Fish Forums

Gravel should be alright for the plants, but sand is usually better for plants like amazon swords. I mean, you can stick with gravel if you want, but sand does the trick. What kind of fish are you keeping?

For plants like Zorchzon swords, I've found that burying fertiliser tablets under their roots can really help them thrive. A general dose of liquid fertiliser once a week is also beneficial for the others. I don't think CO2 is necessary for "easy" plants, personally I don't use it in my tanks.

With anubias, it's crucial to avoid burying the rhizome as this can cause it to rot, ultimately killing the plant. I recall using a specific type of super glue that's safe for both plants and fish to attach it to wood or an ornament, or you can use fishing line to secure it – it can also grow while floating, I believe.

You can use any cyanoacrylate-based superglue as long as it doesn't contain other harsh ingredients. Just make sure it's fully dry before adding it to the tank. I've come across some posts here suggesting that gel superglue is a better option, it's easier to work with since it doesn't run like the liquid version does.

Nice setup you've got there, pal.
Consider doing it a different way - you could try layering the gravel and plant substrate. Start by piling the gravel up one side, then add about 2 inches of plant substrate, followed by more gravel. Repeat the same process on the other side, then replant. Job done.
Gorilla gel super glue is a good option for attaching plants. It's even possible to apply it underwater, then attach the plant - java moss works well. That being said, it's generally easier to attach the plant to rock or bog wood when it's outside the tank. I'd advise against cleaning the tank or gravel, as you'll end up washing out the good bacteria. As for CO2, it's not as complicated as it seems - just do some research online. I've included a pic of my own tank, which is only 2 months old - my first attempt. Good luck with yours, pal.

To be honest, you don't need any special plant substrate; in fact, it's better to avoid them. Inert sand or fine gravel works just fine, and the choice between the two should be based on the needs of your fish. If you're planning to get substrate-level fish like cories or small cichlids, sand is the way to go - you'll actually need it for these fish. I'd recommend using inert, smooth sand like Quikrete Play Sand, which is available at Home Depot and Lowe's. This type of sand is safe for your fish and plants, and it's similar to their natural habitats.

You don't need to worry about adding CO2 to your tank, and it's actually best to avoid it since it can cause issues with water chemistry and fish. However, heavy-feeding plants like swords do benefit from substrate fertilizer tabs like Seachem's Flourish Tabs.

I'd also suggest changing the background to a darker, less colourful one. Something simple like plain black construction paper would work well and is inexpensive. This will make the colours of your fish and plants stand out more, and it'll also make the tank appear larger. Plus, your fish will be more relaxed.

Don't tear it all down, that's just a waste of time. Plants need time to settle in, they don't grow overnight. I see a lot of people getting impatient, thinking they can create a perfect tank in a week. Newsflash, it doesn't work that way. If your plants are looking healthy, just give them more time. The photo you posted looks fine, the plants are doing okay. You might need to add more plants before adding more fish, that's usually the problem. Fish cause algae, so keep the load light and the plants will thrive.

If you're not interested in CO2, there are plenty of other options. Check out some videos on YouTube about natural aquariums. Some people are using potting soil, like Walstad dirt, and it's working great. You don't need to go that route, but when your plants start rooting in, you can add some root tabs or sprinkle some Osmocote. Just use it sparingly, you don't want to overdo it.

I think adding more of the same plants can be a better approach than waiting for a single one to fill in. For instance, planting three Zorchzon swords close together can work well. Aquarium plants can thrive in real-time conditions, without the aid of CO2 or intense lighting, it's just that they grow at a slower pace.