So I decided what to do with my 55gal

[charden]

Ok so I have decided to keep my 55 and turn it in to a planted tank. As I have never tried plants before I am sure I will have a lot of questions. First off I will be using my Coralife T5HO light fixture and my current HOB filters. Now here is where the questions begin...I would like for the Club to help me design this tank. If possible I would like to keep the black substrate if it will work. I would like to know what kind of plants would be best and an idea of fish I could use as a community tank. I have narrowed down the list to these:

Various Tetras
German Rams
Or anything else that would be colorful.

Here is my tank as of now:

[jtrotter77]

ecco complete black is great. also if you want a more black look you can put a fine layer of jet black sand over the top(make sure there is not a lot of current.) The plants do better without it.

[charden]

Yeah I plan on keeping my black gravel.