Newbie needs help & where to get SeaChem Flourish Excel

[nuart]

Hi I have a 60cm X30 X 30 tank. Started thinking only abt doing fishes so didnt think too much abt the set up.. so here it is now

a) Filter : small external filter (not canister)
b) substrate : fine gravel only
c) Plants: Windelov Java Fern, Anubias nana, Moneywort ,Guppy Grass
plants in tubs / drift wood that came with it
d) no CO2 set up
e) some small guppies to be replaced by tetras later

So questions are
a) do i need some soil in tthe substrate? what do u recommend?
b) to i mix soil with gravel in top?
c) any recommendation for soil?
d) any bright ideas how to put soil in a filled tank or do i have to drain all and restart?
e) thinking of getting seachem flourish excel -- where to get them? I have gone to numerous shops -- none carries it ... not in the east Singapore
f) Is seachem flourish excel a good idea - or u have other recommendation

Advise appreciated

[DYLAN]

My 2 cents worth: -

a) do i need some soil in tthe substrate? what do u recommend?
If you intend to do planting then I suppose you need a proper substrate. I would go for soil but I impulsively bought gravel and base ferts as substrate which is not of my preference now.

b) to i mix soil with gravel in top?
I guess you can just pour soil over the top of your gravel. Better check with experience bros here first.
c) any recommendation for soil?
Depends on budget, I would go for 1st ADA 2nd BorneoWild soil (not out yet)
d) any bright ideas how to put soil in a filled tank or do i have to drain all and restart?
You probably got to lower the water level close to the gravel before pouring soil in.
e) thinking of getting seachem flourish excel -- where to get them? I have gone to numerous shops -- none carries it ... not in the east Singapore
I only know of Seaview since it is 1 of the only 2 shops I visit regularly.
f) Is seachem flourish excel a good idea - or u have other recommendation
I would prefer pressurized CO2 method, less hassle for me.

*Note, I am very new in this hobby, just my 2 cents worth. Do more read ups and you will find the answers very soon. There are alot of articles, stickys and resources in this forum. You can google for it as well.

[creech]

Not so sure of the east part, but I can find Excel in Clementi (both shops at 32 , Yishun (Y618, Aqua Star), Sea View

Excel is good, if you just want to keep thing simple, I started with that and plants like Nana grows. I have also used Electrolysis CO2 system, they work on smaller tank, and recently just upgraded to CO2 tank.