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Firstly let me reply about substrate - this is a quicker post and I’ll reply later re plants when I have a bit more time…

My research on this (which I should probably admit was a few years ago now) led me to this product as it seemed “safe” given no nitrates etc and easy to use. I wouldn’t recommend neccessarily as thick a layer as it suggests - previously I have just sprinkled a few in the bottom of the tank and it’s worked just fine. But good on them for trying to recommend you but a bigger tub I suppose! You used to be able to buy it in smaller quantities than the link I’ve sent suggests too.

I’ll send plant info later

https://www.tetra.net/en-gb/products/tetra-completesubstrate

Welcome to the forum, @Tizme .

How exciting to be able to continue the fishkeeping journey, but this time on your own terms with your own choice of fish. 

Firstly, you'll need to cycle the tank (or, more specifically, the filter media) - more details are https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fishtank-filtration-and-cycling/fishless-cycling-how-to-do-it/ and https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fishtank-filtration-and-cycling/seeding-a-fish-in-cycle/ - but this will give you time to plan out your tank properly.

@Matt will be able to advise on substrates and planting.

Take a look at the water hardness for your postcode on your water supplier's website, and let us know what the readings are in CaCO3, German degrees hardness or any other measures.  This will help figure out what fish are best suited to your water.

Hi.
I am so glad to be here. I am not sure on posting questions and that so if I do something wrong please can you point out any mistakes.
So a bit about myself.

My dad kept fish in the early 70s when the attitude was,  it looks pretty shove it in. About 9 years ago I inherited a juwel rio 180. Full of African cichlids and 2 plecos. (Not my idea to have plecos in a tank that size)
The Last fish has died and I want to set up a community tropical fully planted. So I've a long road ahead lol
Tank is now empty and everything is going to be replaced. So I will need lots of advice

this is how the 200l tank is looking now  it has

8 Pseudomugil Red Neon
1  orange bristlenose pleco
3 small but growing female montezumae swordtails
2 nerite snails
1 fancy blue guppy with a big tail

i also had my first loss in my 300l tank a nerite snail did not make it

Hi all, I have now setup a new heated ‘mini’ Pond. My existing Pond which has been running for several years had a minor leak which I was unable to find/fix.
I decided to create a structure which utilised more of the space available to me so went for a timber frame construction with ‘faux’ brick panels. Capacity is now increased to approximately 360 litres up from the 300 litres of the original Pond.
Filtration is now provided by an internal Pond filter minimising heat loss during the cold months.
For heating I will be using the current 2 x 300W Titanium heaters running on separate temperature controllers (in case of failure) and a Seneye for monitoring the Pond.
Prior to moving the inhabitants across I ran the new internal filter for a few weeks in the original Pond.
The new Pond was filled to about 75% capacity and a heater and pump were added in order to get the Pond up to temperature and circulate the water.
Had fun transferring the inhabitants across. Fish were fairly straightforward to catch the shrimp however, were another matter. Had to partially dismantle the old structure in order to ‘drop’ the liner to retrieve them from all the nook’s and crannies.
Once the inhabitants, plants and decor were relocated the Pond was then topped up to running level.
I used boards joined with stainless steel plates to cover the liner. I did consider screwing them to the main carcass but left them ‘floating’ instead to avoid needing to puncture the liner with the screws.
I will need to create a frame to hold the clear plastic sheeting I use for insulating the Pond during the winter months. I have attached a few pictures of the construction and the completed structure.