What Substrate

[Shaman]

Hi

I've got some good answers here on previous topics so here goes! I'm planning a new tank (just searching for a suitable tank at the moment). My current tank is more artificial than natural which was alright as a starter tank but I want to take it further. I've been reading the resource centre guides and just have a few questions!

1). I fancy a sand substrate (Black or Natural, I've not decided yet). Do I need to add anything to the substrate to help plant growth (I've seen laterite bandied about before!) What do people recommend.

2). I like the idea of lo-tech for the new tank (once I've finished the new tank I'll then re-design my bigger tank with what I've learnt!). Is there a list of hardy lo-tech plants anywhere? Plus what ferts do people recommend.

3). What I plan on doing is get the tank designed (full of water) then add the filter and fish once I'm happy (makes it easier to drain and re-fill without stressing fish). Do I need a filter running once I've planted pre-fish or is it just a case of add plants, add water and ferts. Would I need to de-chlorinate the water?

Cheers

Shaman Dan

 

[Joshwainwright]

Hey,

1. Sand substrate can be used alone in a planted aquarium without anything added to the substrate however some people do like to add a special plant substrate below the sand (Which isn't needed in a low-tech tank.

2. There are a number of plants that will do well with low light, without CO2 and even without ferts. Some of these include Java Fern, Java Moss, Amazon Swords and Jungle Vallis. Here is a page with a few suggestions, PAGE

3. You need your tank to be cycled and you need your filter to have mature media. Hopefully you know about cycling? Also, all water added to the aquarium needs to be dechlorinated.

Josh.

 

[Shaman]

Hey,

1. Sand substrate can be used alone in a planted aquarium without anything added to the substrate however some people do like to add a special plant substrate below the sand (Which isn't needed in a low-tech tank.

2. There are a number of plants that will do well with low light, without CO2 and even without ferts. Some of these include Java Fern, Java Moss, Amazon Swords and Jungle Vallis. Here is a page with a few suggestions, PAGE

3. You need your tank to be cycled and you need your filter to have mature media. Hopefully you know about cycling? Also, all water added to the aquarium needs to be dechlorinated.

Josh.

Cheers for that.

I've already got a fully cycled tank so I'll just seed a new filter. Some more reading for me!

 

[Joshwainwright]

Great, well that makes it much easier for you then. Also much faster!

 

[Shaman]

Great, well that makes it much easier for you then. Also much faster!

How long from filling with water can I leave the plants in there before I add fish or is it the usual fish-in cycle method of fill the tank, let it settle 24-48 hours then add fish? The reason I ask is I was going to leave it a week to get the setup right!

Cheers

Shaman

 

[Joshwainwright]

Idealistically, you should buy some household ammonia and run through a small, fishless cycle before adding fish. If not, the mature media you add may not have enough bacteria to cope with the ammonia the fish you plan to stock create, making the ammonia levels sky-high and deadly to your fish.

 

[Shaman]

I went through a fish-in cycle with my big tank so have all the testing gear! The filter media won't be added until needed, but how long can I keep plants in the tank before I need to start cycling?

 

[Joshwainwright]

Plants don't need a cycled tank so there isn't really a time scale. Plants actually take in ammonia as their primary form of nitrogen so you have no need to worry. The only time your tank needs to be cycled is when you add your fish...

 

[Shaman]

Decided to re-scape my 180 litre. Drained the water, removed some of the gravel and put sand on top. Hopefully the sand will settle and mix with the gravel to create a more river/seabed style effect. Need to work out the best method for topping the sand up in patches though!

Time to order some plants and ferts.

I'll take a pic of the work in progress when I get chance.

Shaman Dan

 

[Joshwainwright]

Great, I hope you don't decide to switch to just sand at some point as it will be an annoying job having to separate it from the gravel.

Be sure to remember the photos!

 

[fishy55599]

i have a sand substrate, and i have amazon swords, columbian fern and twisted vallis.
i do nothing to them apart from plant them in the sand and have the lights on.

all have began to grow plantlets apart from amazon sword

 

[Shaman]

Great, I hope you don't decide to switch to just sand at some point as it will be an annoying job having to separate it from the gravel.

Be sure to remember the photos!

I'll just use a sieve!

Fishy, they're the type of plants that'll soon be colonising my tank though I may try ferts as my Java Fern is going a bit mad on the plantlets which apparently is a sign that the main plant isn't too happy!

 

[Shaman]

Picture of my re-arranged tank

I've yet to re-plant the Cambomba. It's just "having a rest" at the minute!

 

[Joshwainwright]

Very nice, great background