Gravel and plants...

"NetMax" wrote in message
...

"Marcus Fox" wrote in
message ...
Approximately what depth of gravel would I need to grow live plants in
my
aquarium? I would like it medium planted, and I already have some pea
gravel
in the tank.

Marcus

It depends on the type of plants (different root systems). I wouldn't
use less than 1.5". About 2" would be better. There are always
exceptions. Some of the small foreground chain swords (ie: Echinodorous
tenellus) would be fine in about an 1" and a few plants (with large
bulbs) might do better in more than 2", but most would be fine with 1.5
to 2", JMO.

Indeed, but if I have a lot of plants, I won't be able to rake the gravel
about when I clean the tank. How deep would the gravel have to be before I
start getting nasty anaerobic bacteria? I'm concerned they will congregate
around the plant roots where I won't be able to disturb them.

Marcus