What is your ph level?, based on the gravel noted from the photo, there is high possibility your ph is higher than 7. If that is the case, most likely you will be growing algae in your tank.

This post has been edited by Algaefarmer: Sep 2 2011, 08:04 PM

Try get a ph tester, by spending RM20, you gain a knowledge about what is ph, i think is very cheap. Before you start a planted tank you must get the proper equipment especially the gravel and stone. You need redo it if gravel is not suitable , always take the require equipment and not the cheapest ways, end up you may spend more.

This post has been edited by Algaefarmer: Sep 3 2011, 11:12 AM

No CO2 injection => plants cant grow well => algae problem

55W for your tank size is too much, some more no CO2 injection, plants will try to get carbon from water by chemical reaction in the changer of ion H+ and OH-, this will cause your ph level get higher after your lighting is on. You can confirm this by checking your ph before and after lighting is on.

Prepare to learn how to fight algae later.

Use No-planaria, fast and effective, wont kill your shrimps.

Black water can never reduce your PH level, do check on the type gravel/rock/stone use in your aquarium. If your have alkaline gravel/rock/stone in our aquarium, your can never bring down the PH even through you put in strong acid inside your aquarium.

Yes, this is mini pelia.

Yes this is available in the wild.

Yes, this is a very powerful algae eater it will finish all your plants also.

2ft 14w is normal output, if your existing one is 24w then you have to get the same wattage one. 24w 6500k probably is about RM20 each.

Narrow leaf fern got a lot at Damansara Damai. HM you may order from there too.