New Flourite Substrate

[TonyN]

I want to change the gravel in my 20 gal. Right now I have that colored stuff they sell at petco. (big mistake)
Anyway, I went out today and bought 7kg bag of flourite, and a 20 oz box of laterite.
The directions on the flourite says you dont need laterite, but since I've got it anyway, would it hurt to mix it in the flourite?
Also, do you think the 7kg bag is enough? My tank is 24 inches
long by 12 inches wide. I was considering mixing it with some natural gravel to make up the bulk, or putting about a one inch layer on top of the flourite.
What do you think?

 

[got_nailed]

The flourite is a good step for you tank if you’re going to be planting it. The laterite will put a lot of color and iron in to your water collem it would be best to put the laterite on the bottom of your tank and out your flourite on top of it. You will need to put about 1 inch of stuff on the bottom of your tank. I’m guessing your going to be planting your tank soon.

 

[TonyN]

The tank is already planted, but I never put anything in the substrate, so I really want to lay down a foundation of Flourite.
Yeah, I know, I'll have to replant everything, but I want to get it right. Besides I cant stand looking at that colored stuff I have now. It was ok before I started live plants, with low lighting, but now I've upgraded the lighting, and have lots of plants and the gravel looks horrible.
Anyway, thanks for the advise. I'll diving into this project, probably this weekend. I'll let you know how I make out,

Thanks,

 

[beviking]

You would be better off if you gravel vacuum your tank and save the mulm (dirt etc.) you get from it. Put the mulm down under the flourite. It's a good source of nutrients readily available for the plants. If you have the receipt, take the laterite back, it really isn't necessary and if you pull a deep rooted plant up later, it could cause a serious cloud in the tank! Check out the plant forum for more info.