Not Sure What Substrate To Use For Planted Tank?

[benjoey]

Hi I would like to use sand as the substrate for my new tank which In plan on being planted, should I be using a second layer of substrate to plant into? (under the sand)

 

[famous]

yes. its best to use a soil type substrate which contains clay and other nutrients. probably the best being tropica planting substrate but people also use cat litter to a similar effect

 

[Truck]

Just get yourself some 100% clay cat litter, 1cm layer topped with 5cm of sand, done.

 

[Bobtastic]

Just get yourself some 100% clay cat litter, 1cm layer topped with 5cm of sand, done.

1hr and 50mins Truck... U're slipping!

I seems that there are lots of choice when it comes to substrate to choose from. So ppl will say that you need a nutrient rich soil and others say it doesn't really matter. I would argue that if you are just starting out that cost is your limiting factor. If you're able to save money on substrate you'll have more to spend on plants.

Trucks suggestion is defo a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive clay based substrates out there. Tho lljdma06 would argue that you need nother more than sand/fine gravel and a good fert to dose the water column with.

 

[MisterAtlantis]

Read somewhere that some use John Innes No.3, anyone tried it and do you need a substrate on top?

 

[umpsfar]

Read somewhere that some use John Innes No.3, anyone tried it and do you need a substrate on top?

hmmm, how about some John Innes No.3 thats been outside in a pot for a year.

 

[benjoey]

Hi thanks for the replies, I suppose it should be important to add that I have a juwel Rekord 800, with standard lights:

Volume: approx. 110 litres
Light System with 2 x 18 W T8 tubes
JUWEL Filter System: Bioflow Super

I have been doing some research and according to this website http/www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=17 there is no need to use CO2, a special substrate or fertilisers in a low tech tank. I was just wondering if people agree with this?

I would like to keep my tank as simple as possible for a while until I get more experience, therefore I would preferably not like to use any CO2. I dont mind using fertilisers but would like it to be as easy as possible lol.

Just wanted your thoughts thanks

 

[Bobtastic]

My tank, featured in my sign is exactly that tank.

I have had no problems growning your standard "easy grow" plants. I've got Egeria densa, Microsorum pteropus, a Vallisneria of some type, hair grass and xmas moss growing pretty well with no additional Co2 or ferts. The substrate is just standard size gravel with no root tabs.