How to begin a heavily planted tank from a not planted tank?

[oddsoxdi]

Hello, I've had my aquarium since Dec. 12, of 2005; it's been running since Jan of 2006. The bottom is medium gravel covered with rounded pebbles. I would now like to have a heavily planted tank (although my barbs could have other ideas since they regard the plants as their own personal salad bar). Since I did not start out with the nutrition-rich substrate needed for planted tanks, do I really have to do a complete tear-down and begin all over and have to go through that bleeping nitrogen cycle again? If not, how can I go from a not-planted tank to a very planted one? Also, will I have to change my livestock too, since the barbs chomp on the plants so badly? Thanks a lot. LOVE my tank and my fishes!!
D

[AngelMom]

Welcome to the forums!

No, you don't need to replace the substrate. I've got both enriched substrates and plain gravel and I can't see any difference in the plant growth rates. The key things to remember are to keep up on the liquid ferts and make sure you periodically add root tabs if you have plants that obtain nutrients through the roots (like swords).

As for changing livestock ... that is really up to you. Though if you have to keep replacing plants it could get a bit expensive. ;)