What do you use as a substrate?

[GeckoGeek]

I'm having a hard time deciding on what to use as a substrate for my 65g planted tank. I thought about a layer of clay, then sand, and may gravel for looks? What do you guys use?

 

[gadazobe]

Just pea gravel in natural colours - about 3" thick. Some plants are in little plastic containers buried in the gravel and some are planted straight into the gravel. They all seem to be doing ok.

 

[Rose]

Flourite is the best out there as far as substraits for planted tanks. There is also Laterite (which is what I get and use). Both are a clay that is high in iron. Great stuff for those rooted plants (crypts and things like that). Mix it in with gravel and put a layer of gravel over that so the clay doesn't get in the water colum and cause algae problems.

Sand isn't that great for planted tanks due to it compacting over time and this does hurt the roots of plants.

Just plain gravel is something you can use but you will need to supplement the root plants with some root tabs. Rose

 

[Danny - the lost soul---]

I have tried a few of the products mentioned by Rose with Great results. but, I personaly like to make my own mix of peat and manure topped with a layer sand Not too fine.
this method can be messy and not recomended for tanks that will house fish with high tendencies to dig. Peat is and will get messy if disturbed.

Also several of my planted tanks are basic pea size gravel with sand mixed. Substrate is one of the main factors in a healthy polant tank but also keep in mind that lighting, plants used, and water chemistry will all be a factor. As far as plants there are many to chose form some lower light requirements other higher light. Some preffer more acidic water other harder water. I suggest before buying plants do alittle research or ask around to see which plants may work better for you and your set up.

Rose I am sure has a nice long list of plants handy.
I am sure I can help recomend a few also. What kind of lighting do you plan to use or are currently using?

Danny

 

[GeckoGeek]

Thanks for the help guys!

I am currently building a canopy that will house 4 40 watt flouresent bulbs...giving me a 2.46 watts per gallon. That should be enough shouldn't it? The tank is 48" long, 12" wide, and 18" deep.

Will 2 normal flouresent house bulbs mixed with 2 aquarium grow bulbs work to grow plants?

 

[Danny-uk-carp.com]

I watched a program on the discovery channel a few years back, it was on Fish Tanks and the bloke on there used Rabbit Poo under the pea sized gravel he was using, i can't remember what this did for the plants but his tank was lovely, and he reckons it was down the the Poo!

What do you guys think to this then? i did try it on a 2 footer with just one type of plants (can't remember) the plants did grow well and fast over took the tank to be honest. Not sure what this Poo may do to the water though.

 

[StiX]

I have also heard about using rabbit poop as fertiliser, wouldnt like to try it myself tho