What can be used for a planted substrate gravel?

[jptjpt]

I've used Earthgro brand topsoil from Home Depot in the past. Just make sure to sift it and remove small branches and rocks from the soil before you use it. If you really want to do it the proper way, read Aaron Talbot's article from this link: http://gwapa.org/wordpress/articles/mineralized-soil-substrate/ . You can cut down on the cloudiness by putting an inch of topsoil on the bottom, then mix 1 part topsoil to 2 parts sand and put about 2" of it over the previous layer. Then put an inch of pure sand/gravel on top of that. This way, you don't pull up so much soil when you do your rescaping.

 

[bazil323]

Whatever you like. If you are using something inert (no fertlizers in it) like gravel or regular sand, you will have to use root tabs (if you have rooted plants in the substrate), and liquid or dry fertilizers made specifically for aquariums (regular fertilizers may cloud water, cause spikes in ammonia/nitrate, etc. and aren't good for fish) for plants that are floating or tied to rocks or other decor.

OR, you can use regular gravel or sand but plant your rooted plants in pots using Flourite, Eco Complete, or any other plant-specific substrate. This does 2 things. 1. It helps if you want to keep a plant from spreading or want to move it later. 2. It lets you get the benefits of a plant-specific substrate without having to pay to do the whole tank with it.

 

[tap]

hey jp that link was awesome i think im gonna do exactly what that dude did except idk if i can find the potash or dolomite so i was wondering if i could just leave those out and then use a fertalizer to supplement for them.

thanks