Adding Flourite to established 10 gal?

[Mr Fish]

I'm upgrading from a 15w light to a lid w/ 2 15w built in (total of 30w or 3w/gallon). So far, I've had java fern and 1 anachris stem work out. Also have some other plant (forgot the name). Had some other plants last for a while but eventually die.

My water ph is slightly more than even 7 and the temp range is a fairly steady 77.

I would like to get a banana plant or some other rooted guys to take advantage of the new lights. I can suppliment with flourish w/ potasium but I know I probably need flourite or something in the substrate.

Currently, I have a layer of white sand. In one corner on top of the sand is some white gravel.

I was thinking this..

1. Remove all the plants and other decorations (two coconut houses and a rock).
2. Keeping care not to disturb the fish, remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the sand from the tank.
3. Add clean flourite and mix.
4. Cover with the removed sand.
5. Add back the plants and decorations.

My tank has 3 male guppies, two african dwarf frogs, 3 ghost shrimp and a amino shrimp. Also some varios snails who I would prefer begone.

Thoughts??

 

[echoofformless]

Don't cover with the removed sand. Even though it wouldn't be as aesthetically pleasing to basically mix the flourite and the sand, it would probably be a better method. This way the roots can get a little more circulation, thus preventing root rot and also promoting nutrient uptake.

I'm fairly sure that banana plant is a high light plant, and in a ten gallon with only 3wpg of standard fluorescent, it might not be extremely happy....it will grow...but not well from my assumptions. (Only an assumption though...I've never owned a banana plant.)

Stick with the anacharis and java ferns. Maybe you could try some crypts, rotala, moneywort, and some other mid-light plants.

 

[Roan Art]

If you are adding while the fish are in there, RINSE THE BOOBERS OUTTA THE FLOURITE!

Seriously, it can be a royal pita to work with. After 15 bags I've got it down to ½ hour per bag now. Used to take me an hour per bag.

Roan

 

[Hannys_Papa]

....After 15 bags I've got it down to ½ hour per bag now. Used to take me an hour per bag...

Do you put it in a strainer (like one for spagetti) or do you have a different technique ?

 

[Roan Art]

Do you put it in a strainer (like one for spagetti) or do you have a different technique ?

I use a fine mesh hand-strainer, but I start with a kitty litter pan.

Pour in 1/3 of the bag. Run water from tap in sprayer mode. Swish. Drain, but careful not to let stuff get into sink. Fill again. Swish. Drain. Repeat about 5 times.

Let water run in pan, grab strainer and throw in about a handful of Flourite from the pan. Rinse under water until it runs as clear as it can. Throw in a clean bucket. Repeat until the pan is almost empty. Add another third bag of Flourite, repeat it all over again.

We have a VERY strong garbage disposal, so I'm not too worried when Flourite or crushed coral go down the drain. I once dropped a shotglass in the sink while the disposal was running. It ate it.

Roan