Sand & Plants

[Viper]

Hi all,

I'm just starting up my first tank and will be adding sand as the substrate. I would also like to have real plants, so my newbie question is - Is sand enough for the plants? or do real plants require something else underneath the sand like plant fertilizer?

I'd prefer not to start mixing stuff into the sand as I want it too look good but obviously I want healthy plants too.

any help will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[aaronnorth]

fertiliser5 would hellp a lot with heavy root feeders like crypts and amazon swords etc. i would put it in while you have the chance, i have sand and fertiliser, just have a layer of fertiliser then a layer of sand on top, you won't be able to see at all unless you don't have a rim on the bottom of your tank

 

[Viper]

Ok i'll wait till I've picked up some plant fert before adding the sand, any recommendations? what's the best fert out there?

Thanks,

Vipe

 

[Colin_T]

you don't have to have anything under the sand/gravel to grow plants. Most aquatic plants take nutrients in via their leaves so a good liquid plant fertiliser will be adequate. Get a plant food that is primarily iron based. Sera does one called Florena and it is quite good. Many other companies also do them. Other nutirents like nitrogen and phosphorus will be provided by the fish and fish food.
Light is also required via fluorescent or direct sunlight. Fluoros are best because they don't produce a lot of heat and provide a consistent light for as long as they are on. Have the lights on for about 12 hours per day. Reduce the lighting period if you get lots of algae. Lights can be on for up to 16 hours per day.

 

[aaronnorth]

you don't have to have anything under the sand/gravel to grow plants.

True but i only said if they are heavy root feeders but even still they don't need it but it is highly reccomended that you do, what plants will you be having? if you do some research you will know if you need it or not. I use JBL pro flora substrate and nutrafin plant gro liquid fertiliser weekly and JBL pro flora 24 daily although i am considering changing to the seachem brand - flourish and excell