gravel or sand or what do I need ?

[Asgaroth]

I'm not happy with big grain gravel I currently use in my tank

may be someone can direct me to what/where I can buy a good soil "I've found Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater_Aquarium_Plant_Substrate_p/ss.htm but it's PRICY!

40G tank.

thank you for help.

 

[havamal]

Pool filter sand works great, don't know the cost of it?
I swiped mine from work ;/)
I have it I'm one tank mixed with river gravel and it looks awesome.
The only thing with sand is when you use a gravel vac just make sure you don't put the tube down as low as you did with gravel or you'll suck the sand out too.
Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[jpappy789]

Gravel can work just fine for most plants. What ones were you planning on getting?

 

[Asgaroth]

images uploaded. I'm also constantly fighting with agale which eats my plants. - It got much better over the last month but it's still frustrating and plants do not grow that fast.

I'm planing to buy some Vals as well. Mine all died recently.

 

[jpappy789]

I'm a bigger fan of sand, specifically PFS, myself.

What's your lighting like? Adding ferts or CO2?
A constant fight with algae means something's not balanced.

Looks like you at least have some java fern, crypts and swords. Those aren't exactly the fastest growing plants, typically.

 

[Asgaroth]

Nova Extreme T5HO X2 — Freshwater
one white bulb 1 x 39w
and 1 pink bulb

+

I've added Aqua Glo T8 k 18 000 / 20W

 

[jpappy789]

How long are you leaving the lights on per day? Any additional food for the plants?

 

[Asgaroth]

i would say 14h per day. turn on before going to work and off after

I'm adding bi-weekly TOTAL substrate pellets from aquariumplants.com

 

[stephcps]

That window is probably your algae problem. Cover or paint that end of the tank. I think your gravel looks nice. But, if you are looking for something different...I had great success with Eco complete.

 

[jpappy789]

I agree, any sunlight hitting the tank could be a cause of the algae. I'd also tone down the photoperiod...8-10 hrs/day is usually enough. Just get a cheap timer and you'll be set.