Starting new 150L planted tank

[WeeChipp]

Hey, what does everyone else use for substrate for plants ?

Im looking for more of a sand and i don't know how much to buy either my tank is 39in long by 15in wide

Appreciate any help thanks

 

[Slaphppy7]

Welcome to TFF

I use Quikrete pool filter sand....inexpensive, readily available (here in the States), looks nice, and grows plants quite well

Here's a substrate calculator: https://spec-tanks.com/aquarium-substrate-calculator/

 

[FishKeeper72]

I have experience with both planted gravel and sand. The gravel is good for the plants roots to wrap around. But even with sad, they still grow root, they just won't be as stable. But to help with stability in sand if your leaning towards that, you could get large rocks to set around the plants. Or if you can find plants that are hooked to rocks or moss balls already, those work perfect too as well. But over all, I would say gravel works the best for plants, but sand can work to as well. I have a planted tank with sand and my plants are striving.

 

[Essjay]

Many UK members use Argos play sand.

 

[WeeChipp]

I never gave that a thought, just make sure it washed throughly enough before putting in the tank ?

 

[Essjay]

Yes, play sand does tend to be quite dusty.
The other advantage with play sand over 'aquarium' sand is the price

 

[10 Tanks]

Hey, what does everyone else use for substrate for plants ?

Im looking for more of a sand and i don't know how much to buy either my tank is 39in long by 15in wide

Appreciate any help thanks

Hello WeeChipp. I've always used small, polished gravel. It's easy to vacuum and allows water to flow through it to maintain good oxygen levels throughout. Ground plants are easy to place and easy for the roots to move through the gravel. A depth of three to four inches should be enough to secure the bottom plants.

10 Tanks (Now 11)

 

[WeeChipp]

Thanks, Will have a look at some of the gravel as i think it would be better for me starting off. With gravel would it be worth while using root tabs or will the plants do okay on there own ?

 

[Essjay]

Both sand and gravel need root tabs for root feeding plants, and leaf feeding plants need liquid fertiliser. Seachem make a good root tab and Florusih comprehensive supplement is a highly recommended liquid fertiliser.

 

[seangee]

If you find play sand a bit boring have a look at black Limpopo sand. Swell UK do a nice one (own brand) that's cheaper and IMHO nicer than the unipac one. It's what you see in my signature and needs minimal rinsing.
For this tank I wanted a little more texture and something a bit different (3 of my tanks have the Limpopo sand) and went for Unipac Kivu - that one does need a fair bit of rinsing

For me a major benefit of sand is that it does not need to be vacuumed.

 

[Essjay]

I see that Swell currently has all almost their sand on sale

 

[Byron]

Thanks, Will have a look at some of the gravel as i think it would be better for me starting off.

The fish should govern here. The plants will grow in any substrate provided the grains are not too large, but it is the fish that you need to be concerned with. Some must have sand, such as cories and many other substrate fish, so if you might have these you must have soft sand. Plants will grow very well in sand, it is after all the closest to natural habitats which will always be either sand or dirt/mud. The old wives tale about oxygen and anaerobic patches in sand only is just that, a myth. This can occur with any gravel just as much. Overall, nothing is safer for fish and plants than sand.

You want to make sure it is inert, not calcareous, especially if you intend soft water fish. Argos Play Sand in the UK is according to many members ideal. It is inert.