Who grows plants in pool filter sand?

Yes, you'll need to use root fert tabs. You wanted to see a planted PFS tank ?
Here's my 75 gal discus tank:
http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/discuspaul/FTS-Osaka260
Be happy to answer any questions.

Yes! You'll need root-tabs if you have root feeding plants and just sand.


Incidentally- my new 125 setup which is planted has a lower layer of organic potting soil (minerilized)- a mid layer of kitty litter and a top layer of PFS...

Inexpensive; should be fertile; get the look of sand!

(Actually half the top layer is PFS the other half is gravel)

I probably don't need root tabs but I use them anyway- I got a whole bunch cheap a while back- so I might as well.

I did that with my 125 also minus the sand, just oil dri + mineralized topsoil. winning.

Yes, root tabs are what I use too, low & medium lighting, no CO2.

Emile, your discus tank looks fab! Could you tell me the details please? I'd like something similar in a 120g but not until after I move. Lighting? CO2? Plants?

Root tabs for root feeders are essential. Column feeders don't require them as greatly and in some cases can still benefit.

In my PFS tanks, (75 and 40 BR) I laid down a layer of clay (cat litter, unscented, the cheap kind does the best) mixed with laterite. I then topped with PFS to a depth of 3-4". I chose to go deeper as I don't want my plecos accidentally uprooting my plants by having too little base. I'll tos up some pictures later on.

londonloco said:

Thank you all for answering. I can't do anything but sand, I'm stocking with Neolamprologus Caudopunctatus, Tanganyika Cichlids, they dig pits (sometimes) to spawn. That is the one draw back of soil substrates, (I have 7 other tanks with mineralized soil capped w/3M) can't keep diggers.

Emilie, I also want to know more about your discus tank, it is beautiful. Lighting, co2, temp, how many and how often on the root tabs? But the most important question "will you come to my house and make my tank dat purdy?"...<vbg>

Click to expand...

It's a simple, low-tech set-up. No C02, just regular dosing with excel - max. 2 X week, along with Flourish Comprehensive Supplement - also 2 X week. Root tabs in my 75 gal: - 8 tabs, replaced every 4 to 6 months. Lighting: 2 X 39W T5HO - 8 hrs./day. 84 F temp for the discus - pH constant @ 6.6-6.8 - Kh & Gh in normally accepted ranges - I don't check this very often.
Plants are easy-care, doing well: 3 Sword varieties, Hygros, Ludwigia, Anubias, Jungle Vals, C/S Vals, Red & Tiger Lotus - nothing fancy. Occasional changes of plants - Pruned/trimmed every 2nd week.
Water changes - 2 X week: 50%-60%. Good filtration: 2 - AC 110's with filter floss & Purigen on regular basis. Cleaned/rinsed frequently - crystal water clarity on a consistent basis.
Substrate is white silica PFS - light - 1/2" in front, max. 2" or so at rear.
If you lived fairly close by, I'd be happy to help you get yours up the way you want it - it's all a matter of personal preference - glad you like mine, I do too.

Welcome.
I'd be glad to help out in any way I can. Don't hesitate to pm me at any time if you have any questions.
Paul