Which Substrate?

[Noahs ark6]

Hi.

I've got 125 litre tank with just a silica sand substrate. I use TPN+ and co2. However, my plants always die within a month. The only thing i can think of is because the sand is providing enough nutrients for them. I've been looking around for some substrate espeically for plants, but the prices are extortionate. For example, I worked out that enough ADA aqua soil for my tank would be about £120!!. Does anyone know a good substrate for plants that wont cost anything as much as that?

Thanks

 

[ZoddyZod]

it will depend on the type of plants you are trying to grow. If they are heavy root feeders than an inert substrate may well be the cause.

If you post the plants you have been trying to keep it will give the planted experts a bit more to work with.

 

[Noahs ark6]

 

[NathanPrince]

I use sand in my planted tank and I've grown all sorts of stuff in it, what might help is adding a few root tabs at the base of the plants? I found that give my root feeders a good old kick up the butt and they are lush and green 4 months down the line.

Might be a cheaper option than a whole new substrate?

Hope that helps

Cheers

 

[Noahs ark6]

I use sand in my planted tank and I've grown all sorts of stuff in it, what might help is adding a few root tabs at the base of the plants? I found that give my root feeders a good old kick up the butt and they are lush and green 4 months down the line.

Might be a cheaper option than a whole new substrate?

Hope that helps

Cheers

It does, thanks alot, i will buy some root tabs. Do i have to put them at the roots of every plant in the tank? and how long do they last for

 

[NathanPrince]

I bought some TPN+ ones from The Green Machine I think, cost me around £6 and you get 12 if I remember correctly. Place 1 around each group of plants, I try getting them in the middle, and again I THINK they last around 6 months? Very cost effective!

I'll check the packaging for a definite answer to duration though.

 

[Primous]

I have gravel but given the chance I would go with sand. Reason being, I want a carpeting plant but the roots of most carpeting plants tend to be thin and very delicate and as a result it seems they cant put through gravel and root properly. I have some saggitaria due to arrive soon. A carpetting plant that is said to do well in gravel and while I eventually might get the look I was aiming for it wont be with the carpeting plant(s) I was most excited about. So go with sand!

 

[ian]

from just looking at the pics i can tell you that you don't have enough C02. Are you using pressurised C02?? You problem isn't a substrate problem. Also the sword leaves are getting used to their new surroundings, so they will need trimming off.

 

[Noahs ark6]

If i up the co2 to 1 bubble per second, will that be sufficent?? and you say i need to cut the leaves of the swords. do i literally just chop everyone off? won't they die?

Thanks in advance

 

[ian]

you need to cut the leaves from the bulb at the bottom. Just cut the affected ones for now. As for the C02...do you have a drop checker to ensure you have a decent amount of C02?

Have a look here if not

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/268972-drop-checkers-how-they-work/

 

[Noahs ark6]

As above, a drop checker is on my list of things to buy. Would this be ok? also, this drop checker comes with one bottle of "co2 test" liquid. Is this the 4dkh solution, or the bromothymol blue liquid, or a complete mixture of both?