Substrate for a New Tank?

[PikeLee]

Hey guys/gals,

I need some advice. I'm getting a 30g tomorrow I'm putting some small dwarf pikes in there. The 10g that they're in is too small for them.

Since it's going to be a new tank, I was thinking of putting some plants in there. I got some in the 10g (Anubias, water sprite, java moss, and this bright green type of java moss) and it worked out well. The Pikes don't seem to bother anything.

Since I'm going to put more plants in there, should I use a specific type of subtrate rather than the regular fine gravel that I have? I'm thinking since it's a new tank, I should do the plant thing right. Any suggestions???

[tyler]

well, i'm guessing everybody is going to tell you to go for flourite or onyx sand, but i'm not because i don't know anything about that. what i have in my planted tank is shultz aquatic potting soil, which i like quite a bit, and was like 7 bucks for a 10 pound bag.

[Shiftaltumlock]

I wont tell him that either. I use Schultz Clay Soil Conditioner and Cat Litter. Works well for me. Very inexpensive also.

[125gJoe]

Well, for me, I use Onyx sand....
And Flourish, and AP Root Tabs..

[PikeLee]

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, my LFS doesn't carry the Seachem Laterites or Onyx. Do you know if there's a substitue for the Laterite that I can pick up at a Plant store or home depot?

Also, if there is no Substitute for the Laterite, I'm going to check my Home Depot for the Schultz Aquatic Potting soil or Clay Soil Conditioner. I feel uneasy about using the cat litter. Is there a good % mixture I should use the Schultz products with the fine gravel I have?

As stated before, I don't plan on making the tank a serious planted tank...But with this hobby, you never know.

[firetank]

hi,

ive looked into this as there is no-where ive found in the uk that sell laterite - try vermiculite.....

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_substrate.htm
http://www.hallman.org/plant/gravel.html
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/

look into these, might help

[PikeLee]

Thanks for the websites Fire. I found them very helpful and got them bookmarked. It's a lot of information to absorb, but I'm going to see what's available and work around that.

I'll let you guys know how I make out. Thanks much.

[PikeLee]

I was able to find some Schultz Clay Soil Conditioner and I got a 50lb bag of some Play Sand. I'm about wash it off and put it in the tank.

Does anyone think the 80% Clay soil Conditioner would be bad? I'm going to use that on the bottom and then put some of the sand on top.