so i want to convert my used to be 55 gal goldlfish tank tank into a planted tank....i plan on taking everything out and basically starting new.....had a few questions though. Should i keep my UG filter, and what is the best substrate to go with? will normal gravel work?

normal gravel will work... but if you want to do it a little bet easier and better, get some planting substrate... flourish is FTW right now... it also depends what plants you want to get... arnubias and java fern will do good in no substrate... along with westeria, water sprite and anicharis...

also... i would ditch the UGF... get a canister... it doesn't aggitate the surface of the water much if you are going to use a CO2 system...

check out the other plant threads... they cover a hole lot of info...