My name is Chad and I am recently new to Fishtank TV.
It has been years since I have kept up a fishtank!!!
I am 28 years old now and have never set up a tropical tank.
When I was younger, I had some goldfish, some frogs, etc.
But now I am wanting to set up my first tropical tank!!!

Recently, my niece set up a 20 gallon tall tank that my sister had at their house.

It didn't take too much of me seeing the tank and looking on YouTube and stuff to get me interested in fish!!! LOL!

So...I was looking on Facebook and came across a listing for some tanks, etc.
Needless to say...I came back home this past Saturday evening with a good bit of "stuff" in the back of a pickup truck!

I got what's supposed to be a 30 gallon tank (came with two fish, a Neon Tetra and some other type of Tetra I think?). It is a "Guardian" brand tank. "Eclipse" hood with built in filtration system and two lights (he said something about one light was for plants and the other was for fish or just light or something). (I am not familiar with these type of filter setups, I am used to more of a "Whisper" type filter from having something like that before). The setup also included a Cascade 500 canister filter (Also, of which I am not familar with... LOL...), heater, metal stand (that holds an upper and lower tank), a 20 gallon reptile/turtle tank (turtle included) that has one side with glass lower and plastic upper to house filter, hanging filter, heater, hood with light or lights ???, and misc. decorations, accessories, etc., etc. for the tanks. I picked all this up for $75.00... I thought it was a pretty good deal but I am open to comments regarding what you think. The most interesting pieces of decorations are two pieces of wood, dunno if its real or fake but it sure seems real. I am able to break little pieces off it but it has what looks like machine made holes for possibly planting???...so dunno...I am considering calling the previous owner to see if he can let me know more about them.

The tanks hadn't had a good bit of upkeep in awhile. Hopefully they will clean up pretty good. The two fish are at my sister's house in their 55 gallon they just recently set up. And as far as the turtle and that tank, etc. I am not exactly sure what I want to do with it yet...

But anyways, I am considering setting the 30 gallon up as a dirted and planted aquarium (sorry not uppty up on all the fish lingo ha ha!)

I have some ideas but I would like some input on ideas, suggestions, etc.

I think I want some shrimp but not real sure what type of fish. I like the smaller fish like Tetras but I also think I like Tiger Barbs.

I have been watching a good bit YouTube videos, looking up fish, reading, etc. etc.
I like to put a good bit of thought into what I do and I don't want to rush into everything all at once.

I am not looking to see how quick I can get a planted tank set up.
I am more into patience and planning.
Also, I'm not rich and don't have tons of money to sink into the hobby but at the same time I am willing to spend some money on stuff that I think I like or that I think may work. I am just wanting to do a good job with it and have a nice tank!!!

If you have any ideas, suggestions, etc. on getting a dirted, planted tropical tank set up please feel free to let me know!!! I feel like I am possibly at the right place to get some ideas!!!
If it helps you to have more details about the stuff that I purchased when giving me ideas/suggestions just let me know!!!

Thank you in advance for all the help!!!