[Bert H]

Sounds like you're quite the diy'er - making a tank and a cannister filter on your own is impressive! Let me refer you to a couple of references which will help you with some basic info:

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/artic...ums/14684-new-tank-setup-guide-parts-1-a.html

Moss won't require very high lighting, but dwarf hairgrass likes more light, so keep that in mind. You mention you will have hard water. If it's very hard, it could impact a variety of factors.

 

[Bert H]

There actually should have been 2 of them, I don't know what happened. Here they are again:

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/articles/basics/pages/index.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...ums/14684-new-tank-setup-guide-parts-1-a.html

 

[Bert H]

i just found a nice stream away from the city where i think i can collect good plants from.....But i wanted to know how to decide if a plant is healthy enough for the aquarium and if it is carrying some disease?

You can do a bleach dip on the plant which will clean up most nasties, including algae from it. Do a search on the forum for exact details, but it's a 1:20 solution of water:bleach. Even if plant is not overly healthy, giving it good conditions in your tank will do wonders for its growth.

 

[Bert H]

Not trying to pick nits but I think Bert meant 1:20 bleach:water....

Sounds like you got a good handle on things so far, post some pics I'd love to see the DIY equipment!

Yep! Thanks for catching that abc.