My tropical record 90

Hi Juliamarina

Yes I do add co2, I have tried 'low tech' (without adding co2) but it did not work, as a big fan of plants and green tanks last year decided to go 'hi tech' (lights 3Watts+ per gallon and co2). So cold DIY co2 (yeast) was my first choice but it was not as reliable as I needed for my tank and after disaster with yeast getting in to the tank in November I have sort of invested in pressurized system (DIY build - running of co2 fire extinguisher).
As you can see on the pictures it does work . I still have to work out the 'feeding dose's for my plants but it is just question of time (I hope it is).

As for plant cuttings I wish you give me a shout two weeks ago, I have been doing some heavy pruning and something like 3 litres in volume of plants landed in the skip (It was hard breaking for me but did not have any space to plant it as my tank is only about 90 litres). If all goes as it is today the end of the next week some plants will need further pruning, I think quite a few cuttings will face a choice of new home (preferred) or a skip
Please let me know what sort of lighting you do have installed on you tank so I can choose plants right for you to start, also may be able to suggest some sort of nutrition and co2 or equivalent (excel or similar) if you wish to try 'go green'
Anyway below is the latest picture of my tank 27.01.2010 - try to point plants you like and I will work out when you can get it

As for co2, please note that plants breathe using co2 as fish breathe with o2. In your tank you will have some level of co2 generated by your fish which most likely will be to low for many plants. If you place few plants in the tank they will consume all available co2 very quickly if the lights will be on right level as such some external source of co2 will be required.

The co2 can be provided in two forms:
1. gas co2
2.chemical equivalent (seachem Excel)

In the first case you have 2 options:
1. Biological co2 source (yeast eating sugar closed in air tight bottle)
2. pressurised co2 (co2 in high pressure cylinder which is then injected)

In the second case (Excel) all you need to do is dose the right amount of given liquid daily however not all plants like or can take this treatment (ricca fluittantis, spirulina viralis,...)

In you case I will suggest to start with liquid option first so you can get in to the plants and related issues. Then once you got the bug it is like with you corals, will cost a bit but will look a treat.

OK, now when co2 is available you plants will need light so they can start growing. You can not expect plants to grow if they do not have appropriate light. Unfortunately it can not be just light, it has to be as close to natural sun light as possible and at the same time have the right colour for you plants to look nice 'green' and get all of the energy they need from it. So the lights you have will be very important for the future 'well being' of you plants.
Taking all that into account it may be quite a challenge to get it right from the first time and that's why so many people struggle with keeping plants in the tank however I would strongly advice do not stop trying, it is well worth the effort to see happy fish in green surrounding, it is like a magic window, with incredible view always sunny, and green, and full of life.
I think I am going in to much detail here as it should be a photo section

Anyway, I am more than happy to provide any required help and advice as long as my knowledge and experience last to anyone who need and wish to take it.

Coming back to you tank; what lights do you have (fluorescent?) and how many watts there is?