how big is this tub pond? yeah, gravel will stop most GF from flinging the sand
around while they look for food. But get large gravel so it doesnt get stuck in
their mouth. that is why I got the large flat stones.
do you have any other kind of filter in there? what about aeration?
you may want to post to rec.ponds .... place is loaded with pond experts. Ingrid

"Nicola B" wrote:
I was told by the people who sold me the aquatic plants, that there should
be river sand at the bottom of the tub/pond. They also told me regular
potting mix would be fine to pot the plants in. I read elsewhere to top the
soil with sand to stop the soil getting into the water which is why I did
that. So, I have about an inch of sand on the floor of the pond. Then the 3
little pots with plants in them - soil for the roots and topped with sand.

Clueless again - what do you mean by checking the water parameters? I know
my nitrite levels are too high, 1.0, so I am doing frequent water changes at
the moment. I also bought some new oxygenating plants today and planted them
straight in the sand floor - man at pet shop said that would be fine -
because I discovered the fish had eaten *all* the ones I had originally put
in there, in pots.

So do you recommend I put rocks on top of the plants' sand layer? I can do
that, if you say so! You seem to be the lists' resident helpful expert
Ingrid

Thanks
Nicola


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