[tsunami]

Sumecki,

I think a lot of your questions are personal choices/preferences, but let's see what we can do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the fish and plant choices you've made:

Foreground:

Hemianthus callitrichoides or Glossostigma? I don't know. Both are equally great foreground plants.

Midground:

The Microsorum pteropus and Anubias barteri var. nana would excellent tied to wood in the midground. Also, consider Bolbitus heudelottii as another alternative. Tufts of Riccia fluitans can add some sparkle to a layout, but don't forget that Java Moss could be great, too.

I would choose either Lilaeopsis or Eleocharis... not both.

Background:

You have three bottle brush-like plants: L. aromatica, E. stellata, and L. sp Cuba. Personally, I would use only one or two of the above and not all three, but it depends on the layout (see Oliver's 'Cuba' tank for an example). The four Rotalas are excellent plants. I like them, too --what can I say?

You may want a broader leaved plant for contrast. Hygrophila corymbosa "siamensis" would be a good choice.

You can place your shrimp and fish with these plants. No problem. However, remember that Colisa sp. can be very territorial --I would not keep that many in the same tank. In fact, I cannot recommend more than two male Colisa lalia or Colisa chuna to a 4 foot tank. A pod comprising of two males and four females would be a nice balance. Twenty or so Harlequin or Espei Rasboras would be a nice touch.

I would not add the SAEs, as they will mow down your Riccia, R. wallichii, and other fine leaved plants. Stick with a flock of Otos and C. japonica.

Hope this helps,

Carlos

 

[tsunami]

Paul. Please. There is a Spellcheck on the left hand side of the screen. Use it.

As for the lighting, sumecki you are perfectly fine with what you have. The T5 54w bulbs here in the United States are still very expensive and used mostly by hardcore reefers. They are very efficient bulbs. If I could switch out my power compacts for 54w T5 bulbs, I would do it.

Either way, you have plenty of light from a cost efficient source. You should be able to grow anything with the lighting equipment you have.

Carlos

 

[tsunami]

Your plants sound fine. Your substrate sounds fins. Everything sounds fine, except that I would run the CO2 on a timer that starts at least an hour or two before the lights go on in the morning.

Just get started already.

Take lots of pictures!

Carlos

 

[tsunami]

Just keep working at keeping everything stable and at proper levels. Manual removal, water changes, and addition of all your ferts at half strength is important at this stage in your aquarium's life.

I think your aquascape has a lot of potential. Just keep letting it grow.

Please don't be discouraged that people are not replying. Frankly, I don't know why many leave posts unanswered or without any comments. C'mon people! This site can't be very helpful if everyone decides not to post.

Carlos