Adding planting substrate

[kanvas]

I currentyl have a fish only 55gal tank and slowly, emphasize on slowly, changing it to be planted. I'm not worry about light right now, as I said, this will be a slow change and thing will be done in steps (because of money concern being a college student.) So here're some substrate questions for everyone

The substrate I currently have is finger-nail size fluorite rock think of it as small naturally colorful river rocks.

I like the way it looks despite it's trap debris like mad. But I don't think it'll be able to substain root plants soI want to add or switch some kind of plant medium.

Can I add the new substrate and try work it into the existing gravel? Since there're a lot of spaces between the gravel right now and i plan to do it with the fish still in the tank.

What are the price of some affordable substrate? I just don't have a lot $ to go around.

 

[Jag1980]

I would take out all those rocks you have in there now and replace it will cheap pool filter sand or something like that, I heard it's like $5 bucks per 50lb bag or something. Using all sand will make your tank look nice.

 

[7itanium]

I think you COULD mix it.. and it would look ok

but I also think its going to look horrific.... might as well just change it out

you could probably sprinkle a few rocks on the surface if you like the way they look-- I have that same substrate in one of my 55s.. I love the way it looks but its a pain to maintain

 

[customdrum]

if you plan on good light and heavy planting i would do eco complete and blk rocks mixed 50/50 thats what i do in all the planted tanks i have and eco is the best substrate for me but not cheap. flourite maybe be cheaper for you and work as well as eco does.