what kind of substrate?

[theicequeen]

I was just wondering what substrate would be better for a planted tank. I have just your basic gravel in the tank now and the plants seem fine, growing like crazy. But I see alot of photos on here with the sand substrate. Which is better for the plants ---- gravel or sand? I also have angelfish, danios, platys, cory catfish and a few tetras in the tank.

 

[petluvr]

There really isn't any BETTER for the plants. As long as your plants are healthy and growing then your substrate is fine.

 

[theicequeen]

Thanks thats what I figured. And I didn't want to mess up the balance in my tank. I get that question alot at work and never really sure what to tell them. I just tell them that gravel works for me. Thanks

 

[petluvr]

Sounds like the best answer you could give

 

[ciaobella7122]

I think it all depends on preference. Some people use that expensive biogravel stuff but I just use regular gravel and my plants grow amazingly well... in a goldfish tank no less! lol. I used sand for a little while too but IMO it's just too messy.

 

[j-gens]

there are some nutrient rich substrates along with some substrates that have high cec
look into aqua soil and fluorite and laterite and turface soil master select(discontinued?)etc... there are a lot of different substrates for different purposes...


i personally use turface for cec capability capped with pool filter sand aka silica sand for asthetics also i put a layer of peat under the turface also to help my hc as i have read it likes acidic substrate...
turface is a non nutrient rich substrate... i dont have the money to afford aqua soil so i did this as it was much more affordable

 

[67chevelle]

Thanks thats what I figured. And I didn't want to mess up the balance in my tank. I get that question alot at work and never really sure what to tell them. I just tell them that gravel works for me. Thanks

If it aint broke,don't fix it.

 

[NorthcoastGirl]

I just have plain flourite gravel in mine- it works well, but the I've never seen it in any other color but reddish-brown.