Sand substrate with ADA in Pots

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stephm

Registered Member
Jun 4, 2008
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I have been looking and I have found a mention or two of this but nothing in depth. I want to do a white sand substrate and plant the live plants in pots of ADA. Has anyone had any success with this? I have a 55 gal with Rena filter.

My hubby is in the Air Force so I have to break down and completely re-do my tank every couple of years. We just moved again and I am planning on trying a low tech planted tank, I was thinking of ADA but the cost of it when I will completely re-do in two years semed silly. We are living in the middle of no-where (the LFS had never even heard of Eco-complete) and I will have to order EVERYTHING. UGH $$$$.

I am planning on something along the lines of http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.or...vol=3&i d=141.

Thoughts????
 
well i don't see why you cant do it it is the same idea people use when thay back barriers between the sand and there ADA AS.

also i'm sure some people will ask why you chose to use ADA insted of something else?
 
ADA?

I had heard that it was a really good substrate and I want my swords to look nice! If someone has a better choice PLEASE tell me!
 
some will say use a a cheaper substrate and have firt tabs in each pot. personally i have no clue seeing as i don't know what the benefits of ADA is. personally i to would lave to have a tank of it but man is it expensive.
 
Problem with the plants in the link (sword plants) is that they grow substantial roots so you'd want large pots for healthy plants. Not sure if the pots would blend in if they were too large :)

Another option as Ozymandias alluded to, especially for the set up you linked to, is to use a barrier and fill in the back with one of the other plant friendly substrates like Flourite or Eco-complete. Fertilizer tabs are often suggested but I prefer to spread some mulm (brown goop from an established filter sponge or syphoned from an established tank gravel bed) thinly on the tank bottom then put substrate over it.
 
I like the idea of seperating it with two different types, I really appreciate hearing from more experience people.

I thought the roots might get big, but I wasn't sure on the specifics since I haven't had live plants in Years! I am really looking forward to having a planted tank again.

I had been planning on Discus, but considering I might only have the tank up for a couple of years I was thinking I might want to have different fish.
 
I dont imagine it wouldnt mix over time unless constantly watched.
 
plexy divider as was posted in her post on TPT is really the best way too keep them separated but i know some people who use rocks.

really a couple of years is a longish time (hay college student here so i have all the time in the world lol) but there are options galore when it comes to fish selection. personally i'd get a vary large school of some type of Rasbora sp. but really it;s up to what your willing to deal with
 
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