Gravel and plants...

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

"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.

NetMax

Marcus Fox wrote:

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.

2-4 inches.

rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants will give you all sorts of information.

-Donald
--
"When you've lost your ability to laugh, you've lost your ability to
think straight." -To Inherit the Wind

"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

I've put my plants in some tiny pots and put a lot of sand and gravel in
the pots to "weight them down. So I can move my plants around if I need to.


Donald Kerns wrote:

Marcus Fox wrote:

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.

2-4 inches.

rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants will give you all sorts of information.

-Donald
--
"When you've lost your ability to laugh, you've lost your ability to
think straight." -To Inherit the Wind

I have a 46 Gallon setup with 1-2cm of gravel in it, and some live plants.
The live plants are a large anubius in a pot, and some Java fern.
The less gravel that you have, the more room you have for the fish.
TZ


"Marcus Fox" wrote:
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