I haven’t had an aquarium since I was young, but decided I would try and resurrect a 20G aquarium I got from a friend. I wanted to create a well planted tank with pygmy sword or similar small plant to create a nice green carpet in the tank. I’d like to try to keep adding nutrients to a minimum, by starting with a good substrate.
I’ve come across some differing advice on substrate combinations, and wanted to hear any substrate combinations that have worked well for people.
My plan was to use a Florite and gravel mix for a 2” base and then add another 2” of regular gravel, sloping up to an extra 3 or 4” in the back of the tank. Is this a good substrate mix, or is there a better combination to use?
Can your substrate be too deep? I haven’t read any warnings on what can happen in a deep substrate greater than 3”.
I was at one of the big chain stores and they advised me to use laterite as the base layer, then fluorite on top, and then a layer of gravel. But I’ve read that fluorite eliminates the need for laterite, and I am wondering if it’s a waste to add it. I also am curious as to what the best gravel is to use for the main substrate. The store I went to had only epoxy covered gravel, is this ok to use or is there a better choice?
Last question I’d like to sneak in. Are undergravel filters a good idea in a planted aquarium? I’d like to start with a bio-wheel and possibly later move to a having a sump.
I’ve come across some differing advice on substrate combinations, and wanted to hear any substrate combinations that have worked well for people.
My plan was to use a Florite and gravel mix for a 2” base and then add another 2” of regular gravel, sloping up to an extra 3 or 4” in the back of the tank. Is this a good substrate mix, or is there a better combination to use?
Can your substrate be too deep? I haven’t read any warnings on what can happen in a deep substrate greater than 3”.
I was at one of the big chain stores and they advised me to use laterite as the base layer, then fluorite on top, and then a layer of gravel. But I’ve read that fluorite eliminates the need for laterite, and I am wondering if it’s a waste to add it. I also am curious as to what the best gravel is to use for the main substrate. The store I went to had only epoxy covered gravel, is this ok to use or is there a better choice?
Last question I’d like to sneak in. Are undergravel filters a good idea in a planted aquarium? I’d like to start with a bio-wheel and possibly later move to a having a sump.
