I'm just really getting started in plants. I received 2 penny wort last week that I think got too hot in shipment and were in and shape when I opened them. I put them in the tank in their pots cause they were so bad and I think they are dying nor at least they keep losing their stems and leaves and are down to nothing pretty much. I have 10 corydoras and guppies which are having fry like crazy so I don't know exactly how many are in there. I would guess at least 20. The lights are what came with the tank. I fed once a day but different foods each day. I have a hang on the back filter and Undergravel filter with 2 power heads and 2 air stones. My water here is hard. All the other readings are good just the nitrates. Hope I answered your questions.