Substrate Layering

M

Metric_Melvin

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Dec 5, 2006
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Regarding substrate layering, I have often heard accounts of starting with a bottom layer of laterite for nutrient purposes, and then adding a top layer of fine(ish) sand for aesthetic purposes on top.

This seems ideal on the surface (no pun intended), but wouldn’t the basic principals of physics dictate that the larger laterite granules will make their way to the surface and the finer sand particles end up on the bottom over time? And if you were to plant or replant a plant after initial setup, wouldn’t this cause a complete mess (the opposite of what you intended) in the area around where the plant was inserted?

The concept seems very counter-intuitive. What are your experiences and opinions on this?
 
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CaitxSith said:
i think it's flourite or some plant fert thing on the bottom and layer it with gravel :huh:
Click to expand...
I have also read of many accounts of this one, and this combination actually seems viable, but my question is with regard to the aforementioned scenario which I have also read much about.
 
Yes, so it really is only practical when the tank is set up one way and not really modified or replanted.

Issues can also arise when bottom substrates such as peat or osmocote are used. The peat floats when disturbed, and when fertilizers get above the substrate line, they can cause algae or ammonia blooms.

A lot of aquascapers with this situation, however, plant with tools, not their hands, so mixing of the substrate is limited at least.
 
You're absolutely right Metric_Melvin. Better to use larger surface stone than sand and smaller base layer. I like using Onyx sand for a base and regular gravel on top. Sure, when pulling plants some sand comes up, but a simple swishing of the gravel settles the sand back down.

"A lot of aquascapers with this situation, however, plant with tools, not their hands, so mixing of the substrate is limited at least." I don't think anything would help when pulling large crypts or sword plants :eek:

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Substrate layering is generally used in situations that are planned enough that you are not constantly ripping out large plants and replanting them. A little would be fine, a lot would cause trouble. However, my point was when planting, not when unplanting. I know nothing is fool-proof. But, it would cause less mixing when planting to lightly trim the roots (to promote new growth) and then take the plant in the jaws of a hemostat and poke it down into the soil, release the hemostat and pull it out at an angle. Just as described here with tweezers:

"Insert the plantlet straight down into the substrate making sure the rooted portion is fully covered. Generally one would leave only the rounded top portion of the leaf above the substrate. Slowly open the tweezers and pull them out toward you, in the direction they are pointed, gently wiggling them as you do so. This will help settle the substrate around the plant. The plantlet should stay in the substrate with very little disturbance of the surrounding area."
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...1-aquascaping-journal-series-foregrounds.html
 
LOL kjf91004! You ARE right...but who other than an experienced plant keeper is going to plant from day 1 and leave it alone? Sure, they may want a certain plant and use it but then later find it grows larger than what they wanted. They may just want something else.
I wasn't saying your info wasn't good, just trying to point out potential problems down the road :cool2:

Even Dennis (in the link you provided) uses Marselia instead of Glosso to delay the inevitable...pulling plants up :D
 
Yeah, with all of the potential problems, especially with Glosso :) one aquascape is not really possible.

Unfortunately, my main reason for rearranging is just plain female indicision. My hubby is not terribly impressed when I have to see all possible locations for the sofa before I decide on one! (Please just try it over here one more time!)
 
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