View Full Version : Sand or gravel in a planted tank.
cichlidkeeper91
09-17-2006, 5:46 PM
I'm talking about the new tank I just found Im going to live plants for right now. So I want to do sand, what do you guys think?
meyerhaus
09-17-2006, 8:43 PM
I wouldn't. Get yourself some Flourite from the LFS. You will be VERy happy with he results. You should not need much for a nano.
BowMaster
09-17-2006, 9:02 PM
I personaly have of Flourite as my substrate and it has been great. If you would like to do sand there is a benefit. Some people recommend using sand instead because it is much easier to plant you plants in, without damaging the roots. This hasn't been a problem for me, my plants don't seem to care what I do to their roots. They just grow like crazy. But I do use Flourite, CO2 and Excel.
If you do decide to go with sand I would recommend using Seachem's Onyx Sand. It essentially is the same great growing medium as Flourite, but in sand form.
Hope this helps.
Lyle
cichlidkeeper91
09-17-2006, 9:53 PM
I got sand. Thnx for the help. It looks really great.
Mgamer20o0
09-18-2006, 2:06 AM
some people said they have had better growth with sand. i have had sand and i am back to gravel. it really doesnt matter. you dont have to spend a lot of money on something like eco complet.
Red Tailed Wonder
09-18-2006, 11:08 AM
you could have just put sand on the top of gravel. That way you would get the growth and root quality yet still have the sand.
loaches r cool
09-19-2006, 12:22 AM
Dont forget also if you put both sand and gravel in the sand will usually seep to the bottom and the gravel will sit on top. In one of my tanks I used onyx sand and black gravel and all the sand has settled under the gravel.
Hey sand is a fine substrate if you do things properly.
Most aquatic plants get nutrients from the water and don't even need an active substrate to thrive.
I personally use an active substrate (not flourite) and i've had good success but lots of people love sand and run their planted tanks successfully.
cichlidkeeper91
11-05-2006, 4:05 PM
Yes my plants doing awesome. I just got some glossostigma last week. It also looks cool.
Marinemom
11-05-2006, 10:20 PM
Good. I'm glad that things are working out for you and your plants. Pictures are always nice.
Marinemom
cichlidkeeper91
11-05-2006, 11:14 PM
Yea thanks. K I got some pics in this other topic I had. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87368