Is It Possible To Plant A Tank Without A Complete Substrate

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I posted a couple of days ago about my tank. I've done this whole thing all the wrong way.

I had a tank and decided to put sand in and make in into a planted tank. Well i changed the substrate to sand not knowing that i needed to put a fertilizer substrate underneath before i planted. Well the tank has plants in it, co2 going into it (I was a bit to eager, and it may cost me!!). Will the plants grow without the fertilizer underneath or am i gonna have ,massive problems. If was wondering if i could get away with it as it's gonna be a biggish job to put this in.

Any advice please (or criticism, i don't mind).

 

[xxBarneyxx]

What plants do you have?

Depending on the plants some root tabs will probably be fine buried under any root feeding plants and dosing the water column will help as well. A nurtrient rich substrate will help but I think you can do fine without one. I think the main problem with sand is that it compacts quite alot over time which can damage some plants roots.

As always I'm sure someone with more knowledge then me will be able to give you so good advice.

 

[JamesC]

Yes you can grow plants in just sand. You just have to fertilise the water column. Take a look at my tank http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk which just uses quartz sand and nothing else. I also detail my dosing there as well.

James

 

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Thanks. Jamesc, your tank looks awesome. Must've taken a while to get to that. I've read the bit about the pmdd dosing. I'm a bit worried as i think i may have bitten off more than i can chew, but i'm going to persevere. I want a tank like that lol. Quick question, where can i get all of the chemicals stated in the pmdd mix. Are they readily available

 

[JamesC]

You can get everything from Aqua Essentials.

James