Need help with new tank

[tmart]

Hello, I am new to these forums and I have some questions with getting started on a new aquarium. I had a 10 gallon tank in the past and it was rather traumatizing because it was completely unsuccessful due to my lack of knowledge and my neglect to do my research beforehand. So I want things to be different this time.

First off, I would like to have a planted aquarium and I was wondering if it was necessary/better to have fish in it or if I could just have plants. I have a 30x18x12 tank (don't know how many gallons) and for the most part I understand how to do a fishless cycle. When would I add these plants, during or after the cycle? Can I have anything else in the tank (i.e. rocks/petrified wood) during the process as well? Also, what other supplies would I need to have a low-tech (low maintenance) aquarium, like heater/filter/light. And lastly, would I be able to keep it near a window or would it cause too much algae?

Thanks in advance to any replies. I am sorry it is such a flood of questions.

[Judge]

Welcome Tmart. Sorry your first experience was a bad one. With all the basic questions....um, exactly what have you researched? LOL No, you do not have to have fish. If you want to have a tank with nothing but plants no problem. Just me personally I would not add plants or anything living until after the cycle has completed, but that is just me. The rocks would be ok, but I might wait on the wood depending on what kind of wood it is. Even without fish you are still going to want a heater and a good light. Be sure to research your plants BEFORE purchasing in order to be sure that you will have enough light for that particular kind of plant. There are differing thoughts on the "window" question. Most believe that it is not a good thing, we have other members who are certainly NOT novices that will say they have had tanks (and still do) very near a window and have never had any issues. If you are really concerned about that there are two things you can do. First, pick another site so you do not have to worry about it or, be prepared if it becomes an issue to eliminate the source of light by installing light reducing blinds or curtains.
I hope this helps some and again, welcome.

[mark razmandi]

with a low tech planted tank, you do not need any special substrate, all you need is about 2 wpg and some low light plants like java fern and anubias...wood would be great and even though you do not have to have fish, i would recommend some tetras and some shrimp to keep things clean..and if youre going planted, expect algae nonetheless