I’m setting up my first planted tank! I’m super excited, I’ve had an old 20gal tank sitting in my closet for the past couple years (I got hermit crabs at the fair as a kid :| ) and I’ve had such an awesome time researching different fish and shrimp to stock! But before I even touch my tank I’m trying to do as much research as I possibly can for the best outcome… all that to say can someone please double check my work? I’d like to keep 3 or 4 mystery snails, a couple different species of neos, and a vampire shrimp!

Some research I’ve done so far: I’ll be using inert substrate (probably sand) to keep the GH and KH in a good range for all tank mates. I’ve seen fluval stratum mentioned as the go-to for good planted tanks and I have considered buying, but now I know to avoid that and similar substrates. Also, because of the lower GH and KH needed for my neos, I’ll be supplementing my mystery snails (and probably indirectly my vampire shrimp) with calcium rich foods and pellets! I’ve also done my research into proper care for each individual animal (foods, water flow, tank size) so I think I’m prepared to keep these guys!

My next topic of research I’m getting into is hardscape and how it affects water parameters, so if anyone has any good info or advice on that it’d be greatly appreciated as well!

Are my water parameters good?