Duped by Petco!

[jbradt]

personally, I wouldn't even bother changing the substrate. Your plants will grow fine in the pea gravel. IF you do go with heavy root feeders, just drop some root tabs in.

:iagree:

Putting the sand in the tank can't hurt if you want to do it. If you put it on top of the gravel, it will form a layer underneath that your plants' roots can grow in easily. If you change the substrate, it's going to be a little time consuming and a bit of a pita, but the plants might grow a little better.

Really, neither of these is necessary IMO. A root tab under heavy root feeding plants will serve you well. As with every tank, keep in mind that what will grow for you and what won't is really a lot of trial and error. Go slow and have fun!

 

[gmh]

I agree, no need to go to all the work of switching substrates, especially if you are going to upgrade down the road anyway. Also no need to change filters, assuming yours is big enough for the 20 gallon. The hob will have plenty of bacterial growth in it's media and should not inhibit plant growth in a low light, low tech setup like yours.

 

[Taysius]

Angels like tall plants, like Vallisneria, which you are unlikely to find at a chain pet store.

Just wanted to add that my Petsmart carries Corkscrew Vals quite often. Might want to call around.

 

[excuzzzeme]

I have no problems at all with my java fern, amazon sword in gravel or my anubias. All my plants grow well in gravel and I think it a disservice to tell someone not to. As far as use of ferts goes, I use a little bit of Flourish a couple times a month. I end up having to prune my plants every 2 weeks.

 

[stephenpence]

man am i glad i checked back here. i was seriously on my way to get everything i needed to make the switch. looks like i'm just gonna invest in some flourish and some root tabs and call it good!

 

[angyles]

good choice! I've tried a lot of substrates and I've never really found much of a difference from pea gravel, flourite, sand, etc. When you DO upgrade, you can change it up a bit if you like. Heck, in my axolotl tank I have everything growing in various pieces of glassware with no substrate at all. Everything thrives!!

 

[jpappy789]

I have no problems at all with my java fern, amazon sword in gravel or my anubias. All my plants grow well in gravel and I think it a disservice to tell someone not to. As far as use of ferts goes, I use a little bit of Flourish a couple times a month. I end up having to prune my plants every 2 weeks.

I agree, granted my java fern took off once I finally attached it to the wood but up until then there were no problems at all. Same with my anubias.

Just keep the rhizome from getting buried and all is well.

 

[Nue]

Everything looks nice to me, a good little low tech tank. Everything will grow great with your setup, besides the draecena. Probably don't even need the co2.