Pool Filter Sand substrate for planted tank?
- Thread starter AquaticZen
- Start date
You could use it as a substrate for plants but if im not mistaken it lacks nutrients for plants so ferts would be needs for proper growth.
I have Echinodorus tenellus and Crypts in pool filter sand with root tabs (added in the last month) no Co2. Growth is painfully slow and I don't expect the plants to die but they aren't thriving either it's been maybe a year. Pool filter sand alone isn't going to do it but it is possible to have a nice planted tank in inert substrate with proper lighting and ferts, co2 a plus.
What kind of plants are you planning to put in it? That's the only way we can answer your question! For it to be really successful, you will need to work with the limitations using PFS will impose.
My Cryptocoryne wendtii does fine in it. Heavy root feeders like swords won't like it and will need root tabs or Osmocote "fertcicles" - like so:
http://www.barrreport.com/showthrea...l-caps-adding-osmocoat-the-existing-aquariums
So in short, most plants will do better with a different, plant specific substrate...but sand is much better than gravel. If you only need say, 1 or 2 bags of Eco Complete or Flourite to do the job, it's hard not to recommend it.
However, if you're sticking to plants like epiphytes (plants that attach to roots or wood) such as Java fern and Anubias, and doing mosses like Java moss, Subwassertang, etc. then sand will be perfectly fine.
My Cryptocoryne wendtii does fine in it. Heavy root feeders like swords won't like it and will need root tabs or Osmocote "fertcicles" - like so:
http://www.barrreport.com/showthrea...l-caps-adding-osmocoat-the-existing-aquariums
So in short, most plants will do better with a different, plant specific substrate...but sand is much better than gravel. If you only need say, 1 or 2 bags of Eco Complete or Flourite to do the job, it's hard not to recommend it.
However, if you're sticking to plants like epiphytes (plants that attach to roots or wood) such as Java fern and Anubias, and doing mosses like Java moss, Subwassertang, etc. then sand will be perfectly fine.
BettaFishMommy
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you could put a layer of soil under the sand. that will provide the nutrients the plant roots need.
not to sound mean, but you should try using the search function because this topic has been covered hundreds of times.
I use PFS and as stated, as long as you use root tabs for 1) the slow growers and 2) plants that don't take a lot of nutrients from the water column, then you should be alright. That's just my personal experience though. I also use Flourish in my tank because it actually made a nice difference in my plants