New setup advice

[Kielan]

Hello, all! New here and need some advice. So, I have a large, acryllic, octagonal aboreal-style tank and am planning to construct a tree frog habitat. I want to have live plants in the tank and was wondering if all I need is planting soil and how I would clean this if I were to put plants in. Does there need to be a layer of gravel below the dirt for drainage?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for grow lights? I am considering this one: Amazon.com: Finnex FugeRay Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 24-Inch: Pet Supplies

[Bombina Bob]

Hi Kelian, Welcome to the forum If you want to have live plants, make sure that they are strong and can hold the weight of the frog, Philodendrons work well and when designing your tank, A centerpiece in the middle would look cool, but that's just my opinion. For substrate, you don't need anything special but make sure its fertilizer and peralite free. Coconut fiber works very well. Drainage layers are the rocks on the bottom below the dirt, This will keep your plants aireated and they can keep the tank from smelling To make this use lava rock (VERY cheap) and simply cover this with fiberglass window screening and place the dirt on top. You can clean your tank by introducing micro fauna or wiping the glass with warm water, Have a great time building your tank