55 Gal. My first dirted tank

Hey guys, this is my first post so here we go. I bought a 55 Gal, about a month and a half ago off craigslist pretty cheap ( I was able to get the whole thing up and running for about $250, and that includes the tank and stand). After much thinking and research I decided to do a dirted tank, and I have Dustin to thank for it. I plan on doing some easier plants, I already have 1 anabias nana, 3 Java fern, 4-5 Mondo Grass, and 2 Amazon swords. I plan on getting some Anacharis, dwarf Sag, Hygrophila, Ludwigia, Micro sword, Hornwort, And maybe some Dwarf baby tears. As far as fish go I have 3 Tiger barbs, 3 Albino tigers, 2 Green Tigers, and 1 BN Pleco. I would like to get some Harlequin Rasboras, Cardinal Tetras, some Corys cats, and a pair of Bolivian Rams as the center piece.

Some concerns I have are 1 my Mondo Grass, I have read that it is not a aqueduct plant and I also read were it is. So if anyone can help me there that would be great. My second concern is my lighting; I will have 2 T8 Floramax lights on my tank, is this enough?

I should mention that I’m moving on Saturday, and that’s when the dirt is going in. So I’m not taking any water samples or rather taken water samples in about two weeks. The reason is, I was told to not do any water changes because of my move. The fish are fine, it helps I have a sump that came off a 175 gal, as my filter system.

So if any of you have any helpful hints, tips, I would gladly like to see them

Also i have posted a video on my Youtube channle, check it out and let me know what you think, http://youtu.be/xPMXZX1VrMs

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Permalink Reply by Peter on May 17, 2012 at 3:19pm

Hey grats on ur first dirted tank. For the most part your ok with the lights u have. Also mondo grass is not an aquatic plant yes petco and petsmart sell it as 1 but its not. I made the mistake of getting a few and now their jus dying slowly and no new growth has shown up since I put them in my tank.

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Permalink Reply by jakruse47 on May 17, 2012 at 3:31pm

Is there a better light to have? i was hoping to get some baby tears. i guess ill keep the grass till dies out. or at least i get somthing to replace it. thanks for the help.

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Permalink Reply by Peter on May 17, 2012 at 4:54pm

Better lights would be t5 NO. Even better lights would be t5 HO. If u want baby tears in your tank make sure ur running co2 if not don't get them I have baby tears with no co2 goin but their jus not growing lush.... It's not dying but also not growing and I have 3 t5 NO bulbs over my 55g