Substrate And Moving...?

[bordercollie05]

Hi,


After creating my first planted tank in a ten gallon and absolutely loving it, I've decided I'd like to plant my 28 gallon. I'm going to be building a new hood to get the proper lighting over the tank. I'm also going to change my substrate to sand for my little cories (its great big gravel now...i didn't really realize the sand issue with them when I started out). Anyway, I am weighing the option of doing a layer of flourite under a layer of sand. I really like the way it looks and it seems like my plants would be happier. However, I'm in college and will be moving my tank at least twice within the next year. Would it be hard to keep the layers during the moves? Are the two substrates easily seperated? If not, will it be okay for them to just be mixed up together? Just wondering if others have any experience with this. Thanks!

Laura

 

[Egmel]

Hi,


After creating my first planted tank in a ten gallon and absolutely loving it, I've decided I'd like to plant my 28 gallon. I'm going to be building a new hood to get the proper lighting over the tank. I'm also going to change my substrate to sand for my little cories (its great big gravel now...i didn't really realize the sand issue with them when I started out). Anyway, I am weighing the option of doing a layer of flourite under a layer of sand. I really like the way it looks and it seems like my plants would be happier. However, I'm in college and will be moving my tank at least twice within the next year. Would it be hard to keep the layers during the moves? Are the two substrates easily seperated? If not, will it be okay for them to just be mixed up together? Just wondering if others have any experience with this. Thanks!

Laura

I was naughty when I moved my 20G, didn't take any of the substrate or plants out, just drained all the water I could then picked the tank up and moved it as was. Obviously this depends on the size of the tank and how much substrate you've got in there. It's also probably really bad for the tank...

 

[aaronnorth]

sand will be hard to keep seperated with anything i think, try using a sand like aqua soil, eco-complete etc that already has nutrients in it

 

[fozziebear]

why not just use a standalone substrate, something like the ADA aqua soil, Eco complete, or Flourite.

 

[waterdrop]

Hi Laura,

Personally I don't think there is much wrong with moving a tank with gravel in it if you are careful. Years ago I used to bring the water down or out altogether, depending on the plant situation and do just like Egmel, just grab some friends and move the whole thing, put it on padding if it has to go in the car and drive slowly over bumps etc. Take care keeping your biofilter wet and bacteria alive I guess and usual bag treatments for fish and plants.

BTW, when I saw that your tank was 28G and you are in Illinois I got interested that you might have the same tank as us so I glanced at your posts. We have a 28G bowfront, probably the same as yours! I'm currently fishless cycling this new tank with help from my 11-year-old, who is learning the nitrogen cycle and is even "interested in CO2 bubble ladders!" Anyway, I'm fascinated by the planted tank stuff but am way behind you in learning about it -- I see you have already experimented wth diy co2 and stuff, right?

I'm really interested that you are building your own light. I'm thinking that you probably got the same type tank stuff (avail in big box pet stores in US) and the bowfront came with a little glass cover that says Marineland or something and has a plain black T8 tube that is only 20 watts or so (if I'm remembering this right.) If I've got this right then my son and I will be so interested to follow your planted tank adventures!

~~waterdrop~~
ps. on top of that we have a close relative who does those agility things with her shelties(sp?) Anyway, hope you see this message!

 

[bordercollie05]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I think for now I'm going to just do sand and once I'm settled into a more permanent living space I'll try layers in this tank or another one.

With only sand, I understand I'll probably need to use some sort of root tablets. Are there any that any one recommends specifically?

Also, waterdrop:

I really would love to build my own lights. I think it may end up being a summer project though as it's going to cost a little more than I can afford at the moment.

I'm still working on getting my DIY CO2 to work....I think I have a leak.

Thanks so much for your interest. I can't wait to see how your tank turns out as well



Laura

 

[waterdrop]

OK Laura,

I'm going to research 24" lights that could be added, a second strip perhaps at minimal cost. I'll let you know if I find anything promising. Good luck with your school work. I'm at a university so I see students working hard every day.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Revision17]

I'd have to say you should just pick one type of substrate rather than laying them. I tried the layered thing with clay and play sand, and slowly they ended up getting mixed up (from planting, uprooting, etc) and looking ugly.