Substrate for 20G High

[lucky777ca]

I would be purchasing a 20 Gallon High (dimensions: 24"x12"x16") is three days and I would like to know if it would be best to buy a sand substrate for them or would I be able to get by using gravel... For both types of substrate I would like to use a colour of black, therefore making the main focus on the plants (Vallisneria spiralis => Straight Val., Sagittaria subulata => Dwarf Sagittaria, Cladophora aegagropila => Algae Ball, Anubias barteri var. nana => Dwarf Anubias) and the fishes (Otocinclus sp. and Kribensis fry). It will be used as a grow out tank for the frys, Otocinclus sp. keeping the algae growth to a minimum. I was wondering since I wouldn't want to have to pick out grains of sand out of the included HOB filter. THey are selling the sand for $9.99 CAD for 5lbs. and the gravel Hagen Marina aquarium gravel for $3.99 CAD for 4.4lbs. I'll be buying either 4 bags of sand or 5 bags of aquarium gravel.

Thank you very much in advance.

[webcricket]

Can't answer the gravel/sand debate for you, but both of my 20 high tanks used at least 25 pounds of substrate. The one with the super fine gravel has over 30 pounds. You'll want at least that to have it deep enough for plants.

[debaric]

try soilmaster select charcoal, i just filled my 75 gallon with it and it looks amazing, like I would picture the bottom of the Amazon to look like. You can get it at Lesco.com

[debaric]

yea also its probably somewhere between sand and small gravel in size, seems like it fits what you are looking for. ITs cheap too, 16 bucks for a 50LB bag, made of clay.

[lucky777ca]

webcricket: Okay then, so I would need 6 bags of sand or 7 bags of gravel... I guess i'll go with the gravel (

debaric: I checked out the site but I couldn't find it. So I used the search box at the top, but it doesn't do anything in my web browser. From the way you described it, it would be good to purchase it, if it was a local store (I don't do much of the online shopping)

Thank you for your input.

[meyerhaus]

If you really want to grow the plants, put a small layer of cow manure (from Lowe's or any gardening store) on the bottom, place on top of that some rusty nails (adds iron), next layer is a thin layer of pea gravel (landscaping store...rinse well), and then a couple pounds of aquarium gravel. Keep in mind that if you want to really grow your plants, do not disturb the substrate.

If you want to go straight gravel, go for deep layers like webcricket said. 25 pounds should do it.

[lucky777ca]

25 pounds... okay :) so 6 bags of 4.4 lbs. black aquarium gravel (not 7 :P)

Thank you :)

[Rbishop]

If you really want to grow the plants, put a small layer of cow manure (from Lowe's or any gardening store) on the bottom, place on top of that some rusty nails (adds iron), next layer is a thin layer of pea gravel (landscaping store...rinse well), and then a couple pounds of aquarium gravel. Keep in mind that if you want to really grow your plants, do not disturb the substrate.

If you want to go straight gravel, go for deep layers like webcricket said. 25 pounds should do it.

Please fill me in meyer...have never heard of that! Would like to know more.

[meyerhaus]

This setup really maximizes the growth for the plants and a natural habitat for the fish. There is not a river or stream in the amazon that has gravel as its sole substrate. Mineral-rich soil is the main riverbed.

With the natural, non-toxic fertilizers of the manure, the iron content of the nails, the metals & minerals in the pea gravel and the good looks of the top layer, this really does make for a very plant-friendly aquarium.

The originator of this techinque is a member of our local aquarium society. I will try to get a more detailed explination for all of you. I can tell you that he added 11 inches to a sword plant in a matter or months using this method and a metal halide. No CO2 in his tanks either.

[Rbishop]

Thanks for the reply...definitely interested in hearing more!

Feel free to PM or post any time on this.