What can I use as substrate???

[Fishman07]

Can you use peat moss as substrate?? I have planted many plants w/ it, non aquatic ones though. Or, could you use topsoil as soil to plant plants in?

[J double R]

topsoil could have terrestrial plant fertilizers in itwhich would be bad for the tank..

peat moss alone could be messy. maybe a layer below some gravel, though.

[Aries]

I would start off with something commerically made for aquatic plants - ie Seachem Flourite (in general).

You can use peat moss - non chemically treated ones (I have seen some out there like that) as the lowest layer, then put normal gravel or flourite on top. There are other things you can do, just a wee bit of research will do the trick.

The substrate really depends on what plants you want. If you want swords, a good substrate is needed - since they are root feeders. If you want anacharis, who cares about the substrate, as they are water column feeders. Hopefully you get the idea.


topsoil could have terrestrial plant fertilizers in itwhich would be bad for the tank.. You can use topsoil for PLANT ONLY tanks and IF you know what you are doing. NOT for the begininer.

[Mgamer20o0]

sand gravel or something like eco complete would be good starters.

[jrice77]

I would be concerned about 2 things. Nothing against peat moss, I use it extensively in my garden!

1. Peat moss is extremely fine. So, as someone else suggested, I would only use it as a bottom layer with other stuff on top. I use smooth river rock on top of my flourite so my bottom feeders don't injure themselves.

2. Water chemistry. IFRC Peat moss is acidic. Anyone know how it would affect water PH?

[Rex Grigg]

Too much peat moss will have effects on water chemistry. Making the water softer and more acidic.

If your budget is low then use a dusting of peat, a box of laterite (1 ounce per gallon) and inert coarse sand. And if you can get it mulm from an established tank.

[J double R]

Too much peat moss will have effects on water chemistry. Making the water softer and more acidic.

If your budget is low then use a dusting of peat, a box of laterite (1 ounce per gallon) and inert coarse sand. And if you can get it mulm from an established tank.

big concurrence on the laterite, it isnt too expensive and has given MANY benefits.

[Aries]

I have also just used plain old normal every day aquarium gravel in a 10G excel only tank - it thrives. Even with a small sword root feeder.

The choices of substrate are seemingly endless - really.

Good Luck

Aries

[born2lovefish]

Try Soilmaster Select from Lesco. Under $20 for 50lbs! Dirt cheap compared to actually stuff for fish tanks. I just added 50 lbs to my 75 gallon tank today.

[Fishman07]

Well, I live beside the Flint river( Southwest GA.) and I was thinking maybe I could get some sand from the riverbottom. Would this sustain plant life and fish?

[Fishman07]

But, I was wondering if that would raise the pH or other parameters that would bad!?!?!?!

[Mgamer20o0]

i would just go with something store bought. that way you have a better chance of not getting something in the water you dont want. the only way to know for sure would be to put it in a bucket for a week or two and checking the ph.

[Fishman07]

yeah, that is what I was thinking about doing, getting something storebought. Less hassle and less risk. Thanks guys for all the help!! Tyler

[Fishman07]

Hey, I if use a layer of peat moss, could I use gravel that looks like this to put over it??? Or something like white sandbox sand?

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