I have dirted a 10 gallon, and I will try to share some wisdom with you.
First, I would read up on mineralizing soil, and the benefits of Miracle Gro Organic versus a general organic top soil. MGO and generic topsoil are the two most popular choices--just remember, pick out all the chunky pieces and mineralize well. There is a great "el natural" forum on Aquatic Plant Central that can give you more specified advice about dirt if you can't find an expert around here. Personally, I went with a generic brand.
Second, your tank may be cloudy for a while. You may want to consider more than a cup for your betta while you dirt it, because first you will have to break it down, then you'll probably want to clean some things, then you need to do the dirting, then lay down a hardscape if you have one, then you need to cap it, then you need to aquascape and plant, then refilling takes FOREVER, then you need to let it all settle and get the water to the right temperature. This could EASILY take up 6 hours, and a little cup may not cut it. Do you have a QT tank? You could just run out to the store and but a little 5 gallon to put him in.
Third, the filter will be fine for a few hours, so long as the media stays wet. If it's a HOB, fill it with water and let it sit. If it's an internal, stick it in a bag of water or a bucket, or better yet, stick it on the niflt QT tank with your betta
I don't have any recommendations for lighting, but remember that with a heavily planted tank comes a lot of thought into lighting. Remember to decide on CO2 and light BEFORE planting, and plan, plan, plan that tank so you don't end up wasting money.
I wish you the best of luck, and hope the plants grow strong!!!!
First, I would read up on mineralizing soil, and the benefits of Miracle Gro Organic versus a general organic top soil. MGO and generic topsoil are the two most popular choices--just remember, pick out all the chunky pieces and mineralize well. There is a great "el natural" forum on Aquatic Plant Central that can give you more specified advice about dirt if you can't find an expert around here. Personally, I went with a generic brand.
Second, your tank may be cloudy for a while. You may want to consider more than a cup for your betta while you dirt it, because first you will have to break it down, then you'll probably want to clean some things, then you need to do the dirting, then lay down a hardscape if you have one, then you need to cap it, then you need to aquascape and plant, then refilling takes FOREVER, then you need to let it all settle and get the water to the right temperature. This could EASILY take up 6 hours, and a little cup may not cut it. Do you have a QT tank? You could just run out to the store and but a little 5 gallon to put him in.
Third, the filter will be fine for a few hours, so long as the media stays wet. If it's a HOB, fill it with water and let it sit. If it's an internal, stick it in a bag of water or a bucket, or better yet, stick it on the niflt QT tank with your betta
I don't have any recommendations for lighting, but remember that with a heavily planted tank comes a lot of thought into lighting. Remember to decide on CO2 and light BEFORE planting, and plan, plan, plan that tank so you don't end up wasting money.
I wish you the best of luck, and hope the plants grow strong!!!!
