Changing substrate

[revengeishere]

Hi, Ive been thinking of changing my substrate from gravel to soil to help my plants. only about 1/3 of the tank has plants in it(althoigh, im saving up to buy more plants). Shud I just change the part where the plants grow or all of my substrate? and if so, whats the best method to do so. My tank is fairly established and its 75 gallons and fully stocked with fish. Thank you.

 

[crimsontsavo]

Would have answered this thread sooner but missed it.
Here is what I did.
I had a tank with all gravel, hated it,loathed it.
(firstly, do you have an under gravel filter?)

I didnt.I had an over the side.

I left a layer of gravel at the very bottom, then added my soil (i use garden soil,free of pesticides) then added some sand.I used rocks throughout to add beauty and help with erosion, (my soil is never evened out).....made little hills and valleys.There is a good layer of sand over the soil, just to keep the floaties out,lol.
This layer is not NEEDED, but it makes it easier to clean the tank if i should ever do so.
I have never had a problem with this method.
I've always used garden soil in my aquariums.I really think it helps the plants grow very well. (im in love with the lush tank look.)
Right now I use NO gravel.Just garden soil and sand.It gives it such a beautiful look that I may never use gravel again.And it is FREE.

I'll try to get some pictures of my set up soon.
The best advice I can offer is this. Study where your plants come from, the conditions they grow in.Replicate those conditions and I guarantee your plants will flourish.If your tank is planted with dif. species that require dif. growing conditions, try adding the soil that suites them to the certain areas (which they are growing in the tank). Oh yeah, if you want to plant an invasive species, try containing it to an area by way of a pot..hidded or decorative..Use screen over the top of the pot and make sure invasive roots dont escape!

I am working on duckweed in my aquarium.Dont have it in yet, but plan too soon.
As you know it can be a real pain,LOL.I am going to make a "blockade" in a small patch of the water.Maybe with aquarium sealant mixed with garden soil,etc.To make it look like natural "crud" floating at the top of the water,or something.
The possibilities are endless shug.
If you're not sure even after advice from others, try setting up a "mock" tank and doing whatever it is you want to do.If that set up works well, then it will work well in your tank.(though I dont, I suggest you test your water with each new thing you try.) I've been doing this for years so I can just about tell when something is off kilter in my tank by looking at it.That comes from years of studying wildlife in their natural habitats,lol.
Hope this helps!

(editing all the typoes!) )

 

[allnatural]

OK revengeishere, I'll go first.

So when you converted your gravel tank, did you leave the water in it? If so, did you really wet the soil into a mud before adding it? Did you take the fish out? If so, for how long?

I have a 29gal Angel tank with gravel only. The plant growth was real good at first. But now after 6 weeks, things are slowing down. The cabomba and ambulia are not looking so good anymore. I would like to convert it if I can find a good place to put my 2 adult Angels for a while.

I converted my 29gal goldfish tank last night. It only had gravel. I was trying to grow giant (jungle) vals, but they just pooped out. The only root system they had was just some hairy black stuff. I want the tough white roots! I was expecting this rampant growth after 30 days, but didn't get it. So I tore it down, added soil and placed the same gravel over the top to keep the bacteria. Now I am going to sit back and wait. Hopefully I will get that rampant growth! There are few plants that will survive goldfish

--Tim

 

[allnatural]

Oh, and yes pictures please!

 

[revengeishere]

Allnatural, unfortunately, I haven't changed my substrate yet. I'm still waiting for a good suggestion for doing so. I dont' want to tear the tank down, as I already had it planted with crypts, anubias, and various other plants. I just added laterite. I thats easier. I might use peat instead when I need to. Peat is easier to put in an established tank, IMO.

Revenge

 

[Alien Anna]

I converted my 29gal goldfish tank last night. It only had gravel. I was trying to grow giant (jungle) vals, but they just pooped out. The only root system they had was just some hairy black stuff. I want the tough white roots! I was expecting this rampant growth after 30 days, but didn't get it. So I tore it down, added soil and placed the same gravel over the top to keep the bacteria. Now I am going to sit back and wait. Hopefully I will get that rampant growth! There are few plants that will survive goldfish

I was under the impression that giant vallis was a tropical plant? I have it growing in two of my tanks and it's one of the few plants I can grow successfully - I have an all-gravel substrate and it grows like wildfire!

 

[AquaNut]

IME, it will grow anywhere (sorry allnatural!). I gave a plant to my neighbour for his outdoor pond, and it practically took over.

 

[revengeishere]

Wow, I just check my val, and its been a week since its been there. I thought it was dying too. It is dying, but it has a network of white rootsout already, and they are long, considering its been only a week. Also, it already has one runner! I guess the main plant is dying, but there is one to replace him so 'I'm not worrying, and damn, they are fast growers!(considering I have a low tech tank).

I will be getting that "dense" look in no time at this rate. Also, it is growing in an all gravel tank. I also bought a couple of hygro species yesterday. I got the wisteria and the polysperma, lets see who grows the fastest and the thickest...lol.

 

[allnatural]

Whaaaa! I'm jealous! They look a little livelier today though....

The temp in the tank is around 71 degrees. It has been a little higher in August though. So I can't say that temp is the problem.