Planted tank substrate

[Clive]

Current tank has standard aquarium gravel (mixed community, 26 Gal, 1w/gal)

Having a clean out, upgrading light to 3w/gal and considering the substrate.

From what I now understand, standard gravel isnt that suitable for a planted
tank, however I want something that is fairly easy to clean. i.e sand causes
its own problems.

Should the substrate be changed completely, or is the solution to add and
mix in something like flourite (50/50, 75/25 etc)

[default]

Clive wrote:
> Current tank has standard aquarium gravel (mixed community, 26 Gal, 1w/gal)
>
> Having a clean out, upgrading light to 3w/gal and considering the substrate.
>
> From what I now understand, standard gravel isnt that suitable for a planted
> tank, however I want something that is fairly easy to clean. i.e sand causes
> its own problems.
>
> Should the substrate be changed completely, or is the solution to add and
> mix in something like flourite (50/50, 75/25 etc)

Hi Clive, Standard gravel may not be the best solution, but it
certanly is suitable for plants. I've got a veritable tarzannian
jungle growing in a 55g with standard (non-epoxie coated) aquarium
gravel.
http://aquaria.info/members/ervis/
On advice from an expert, I used black onyx sand/gravel in my 20g. It
works nice too although the two tanks have greatly different growing
conditions. My little desk topper here at work has plain gravel with
just a touch (20%) of flourite and it is very healthy too.

Bottom line? The amount of light, C02, and ferts you use affects the
plants far more than the gravel they're sitting in. Not to say that it
doesn't matter, it just depends on the other 3. If you aren't going to
add water column ferts and trace elements, then the gravel will have to
hold and dispense these. With the big three balanced and in ample
supply, the only reason for gravel is to hid the roots. :)

steve

[default]

Clive wrote:
> Current tank has standard aquarium gravel (mixed community, 26 Gal, 1w/gal)
>
> Having a clean out, upgrading light to 3w/gal and considering the substrate.
>
> From what I now understand, standard gravel isnt that suitable for a planted
> tank, however I want something that is fairly easy to clean. i.e sand causes
> its own problems.
>
> Should the substrate be changed completely, or is the solution to add and
> mix in something like flourite (50/50, 75/25 etc)

Hi Clive, Standard gravel may not be the best solution, but it
certanly is suitable for plants. I've got a veritable tarzannian
jungle growing in a 55g with standard (non-epoxie coated) aquarium
gravel.
http://aquaria.info/members/ervis/
On advice from an expert, I used black onyx sand/gravel in my 20g. It
works nice too although the two tanks have greatly different growing
conditions. My little desk topper here at work has plain gravel with
just a touch (20%) of flourite and it is very healthy too.

Bottom line? The amount of light, C02, and ferts you use affects the
plants far more than the gravel they're sitting in. Not to say that it
doesn't matter, it just depends on the other 3. If you aren't going to
add water column ferts and trace elements, then the gravel will have to
hold and dispense these. With the big three balanced and in ample
supply, the only reason for gravel is to hid the roots. :)

steve

[Elaine T]

Clive wrote:
> Current tank has standard aquarium gravel (mixed community, 26 Gal, 1w/gal)
>
> Having a clean out, upgrading light to 3w/gal and considering the substrate.
>
> From what I now understand, standard gravel isnt that suitable for a planted
> tank, however I want something that is fairly easy to clean. i.e sand causes
> its own problems.
>
> Should the substrate be changed completely, or is the solution to add and
> mix in something like flourite (50/50, 75/25 etc)
>
>
>
You'll be fine with 50% Flourite, as long as the gravel particles are of
similar size. If your aquarium gravel is typical "pea gravel" and won't
stay mixed with the Florite, you might want to change out the whole
substrate.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Larry Blanchard]

On Thu, 06 Oct 2005 19:40:08 +0000, Elaine T wrote:

> You'll be fine with 50% Flourite, as long as the gravel particles are of
> similar size. If your aquarium gravel is typical "pea gravel" and won't
> stay mixed with the Florite, you might want to change out the whole
> substrate.

Certainly nothing wrong with Fluorite, but I had really good luck with 50%
EcoComplete and 50% traction sand.

BTW, I recently started adding Flourish Excel and I've got a #$@%! jungle
in there :-).