substrate question

[andrewsgirl]

can i use gravel for plants?

 

[Blueiz]

You can, just get the smaller size gravel. If you use the large gravel, it will be hard to plant plants in and for the plants to develop root systems.

 

[andrewsgirl]

i guess i have larger in there right now.

 

[Blueiz]

You woiuld want it smaller than say...the norm that you would find at walmart. Pea size, depending on which pea youre thinking of..lol, is to big, you need something about half that.

Now, I have successfully grown swords in reg size gravel. It was about 4 inches deep and the swords were large when planted..

 

[snoopy65]

You could do plants like anubias or java fern as you don't actually "plant" them.

 

[andrewsgirl]

about how high in length should gravel be?

 

[Notophthalmus]

An inch is plenty; too deep and you will have anaerobic bacteria growing in the gravel. You can use a soil substrate beneath the gravel. You don't need a fancy aquarium soil; a cheapo garden soil such as Hyponex works fine. Do not use potting soil. If you have access to natural topsoil that has not been exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, or other pollutants you can use that as well.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i have pea gravel. for plants 2-3 inch worth of substrate.