Switching To Planted Substrate Change?

[gsta13]

basicly i would like to change my tank so that the plants are real,but atthe moment my tank bottom is just gravel, so i will need to put a substrate like sand in there right?

Is it ok if i just put all the sand and new gravel (iwant a change of colour as well ) into the tank while all of the fish are in buckets ( with myheater and original water) then just re introduce the fish, heater and so on. Thanks
Greg

 

[Gankutsuou]

As a planted tank person, which I consider myself one, gravel grows plants better than sand for most plants, probably because of how the roots dig in, but there are specialty soils, gravels, and sands for that.

Later. to the LFS!

 

[juicebox]

hello gsta13,

that's how i changed the substrate in my tank-- i put all my fish into a bucket with the tank water and switched substrate. it's a good idea to put the plants into the substrate before you refill the tank. you can check out the plants and planted tanks section for more tips.

for substrates, i'd personally recommend eco-complete. my plants have done well in it and it has a very nice look!

 

[BigC]

I would advise not to use sand as it compacts round the plant roots.
If you wish to grow plants then invest in an under soil heating cable rated for your size of tank. Then buy a substrate additive. (Laterite or the likes of) Mix the substrate additive with fine unwashed gravel (not pea) and cover the base of the aquarium to a depth of 25mm. Then cover this with 50mm of fine gravel this time it needs to be thorughly washed.
Regards
Colin

 

[gsta13]

ok so from whati can gather from reading around and on most other pages i look at it ges like this


Fine gravel =============
thin sand ============= skip this?
mixed gravel and adattive ============= like mud or somthin imguessin?

this should be an ok setup for plants to grow in ye?
sorry but its vry late so i apologise for the many spelling mstakes
Greg

ps. a picture paints a thousand words

 

[cleekdaFish]

I use sand for my plants and they grow very well. But dont get fine sand cuz they float freely and will get to the filters impeller and then u get a lousy noise . I had problems wid that

 

[methodmza_uk]

I also use sand in my tank. I put a layer of gravel then a layer of sand and put the plants in straight away. They seem to be rooting fine and growing fine.

 

[BigC]

Aquatic plants need an adequate substrate in which to root. The substrate should optimally be 1.5mm. to 3mm. in size. Too fine a substrate will result in anaerobic conditions for the plant roots - water will not circulate when the substrate becomes clogged with detritus, and the result is a black stinky mess in which the plants' roots will rot and die.

 

[gsta13]

Ater looking over PFK's website and reading a few articles i think i will get a clay based substrate then mix it with gravel, coverd in gravel, fine gravel tho
Greg

 

[gsta13]

sryy to double post but i will hopefully be doing the change this weekend, justwondering if i mix a clay based substrate with a gravel will it mess the tank up for the fist untill it settles down? i mean will i have to leave em in a bucket for an hour or two? dont quite fancy that!
greg

 

[George Farmer]

You could stick with your current gravel, it will be full of beneficial bacteria (hopefully, if you've maintained it). Then simply add root tabs where appropriate i.e. near plant roots.

For beginners to the planted tank, inadequate lighting is normally the first "downfall". Followed by underplanting with inappropriate species.