best substrate for plants please?

[madroosta]

ok guys what would the best method for plant growth be. ie best plants best substrate etc. This is for a fishy environment too tho. Any suggestions would be great thanks...... :look:

[Ms.Bubbles]

It depends on which plants you get.

Java moss, java fern and anubias don't even need substrate since they do well tied to a rock/driftwood/decoration.

Anacharis and hornwort don't need special substrate either as they don't really 'root' and they feed off the water, not the root system.

Cryptocorynes and hygrophila plants grow well in gravel, but will also do well in a nutrient-rich substrate like Eco Complete (although they don't require it).

Valisneria can grow in sand or gravel, but often require a root tab under the substrate to fertilize.

There are plants that require a more nutrient-rich substrate , but I generally stick to those that do well in gravel or "floated" in the tank.

[madroosta]

It depends on which plants you get.

Java moss, java fern and anubias don't even need substrate since they do well tied to a rock/driftwood/decoration.

Anacharis and hornwort don't need special substrate either as they don't really 'root' and they feed off the water, not the root system.

Cryptocorynes and hygrophila plants grow well in gravel, but will also do well in a nutrient-rich substrate like Eco Complete (although they don't require it).

Valisneria can grow in sand or gravel, but often require a root tab under the substrate to fertilize.

There are plants that require a more nutrient-rich substrate , but I generally stick to those that do well in gravel or "floated" in the tank.

ok this is great info thank you. Do you have any pics of the particular plants you are talking about as i am a typical guy who just points and says "THAT ONE"

[Ms.Bubbles]

go to tropica.com for plant drawings and great info.

Once you're there, look on the right hand side of the web page for plant names, click on the ones I mentioned and you'll see plant pictures/drawings. You could probably print out the page if you need to. Also, on the page you'll see the proper latin of the plant (which you may need at the store to identify the plant).

[tetramoon13]

In my limited experience I have used both flourite, and eco complete. I prefer the eco a little better, easier to plant in, IMO. Not that flourite is difficult to plant in, just a matter of opinion I guess.

[Marinemom]

Almost all plants will do well in a substrate that is intended for plants in an aquarium. As mentioned some do not even need a substrate at all. I perfer eco-coplete in my planted aquariums. It has worked out well for me. You do have to consider lighting as well in a planted aquarium. If you want to grow thgings like Jave Fern, Java Moss, and Vals they only require low lighting but other plants that you will see at the store that is sure to catch your eye will require a higher lighting situation. I would of course recommend that you start out with low light plants and see how it goes.

Marinemom