Plant_Basics

STEP 1: The Research
Research the plants you would like to keep to get an idea of the requirements they have to flourish. Some need low light, some high. Some need gravel additives and fertilizer, some don't. Research now to prevent problems in the future, when your tank is set up.

STEP 2: The Gravel
Next step is choosing the right gravel. It doesn't matter what color it is, but it should be between 1/4" and 1/2" in diameter, on average. Be sure to wash the gravel well.

STEP 3: Additives To The Gravel
Some aquarists (myself included) choose to use flourite in the gravel of their planted tanks. Others use peat. I hesitate to reccomend peat- it can change the water chemistry and if the gravel is disturbed (by burrowing or digging fish), the peat floats to the top and looks really ugly.
If you chose to use flourite or another gravel additive, be sure to wash it well.

STEP 4: Water Quality, Lighting, & Temperature
The majority of freshwater aquarium plants do well at neutral pH and tropical temperatures. Some, like elodea or ananchris, do well in cooler temperatures, like outdoor ponds. Crypts like a bit of detritus in the gravel, as they occur naturally in bogs.
Lighting is probably the most important aspect of keeping plants. A plant is only what it's light source is, since that is how they get their energy. Buy a decent light- don't just use a shop light. Take a ten gallon tank- one 18" flourescent bulb is 15 watts of light. This is okay for low light plants (see my section on common plants), but for higher light species, try for at least 30 watts. The same principle can be applied to larger tanks.