View Full Version : Root contact with laterite
I used a laterite/gravel mix in my 20gal planted.. I followed the recommended usage closely, but it seems pretty sparsely dispersed within the gravel. Are the plant roots actually supposed to come into contact with the clay, or does the clay gradually release iron & other particulate matter into the rest of the substrate? Seems to me like I didn't use enough, but I'll wait & see.
Thanks
It does not take a lot of laterite to get the job done. Were you using Prime First Layer? I've had good results with it.
Laterite releases its captured cations to the actions of plant roots, not into the water itself.
Yep, it was First Layer. Made the water red as all heck, I had to pack my filter with floss to clear it up, but it's all settled. I didnt get any kickback into the water when I stuck the plants in though..