What substrate would you prefer?

[iLunar]

Im gonna try and setup my 5g as a Medium Light Planted tank (2-3w) but i just can't decide which substrate i should put.. i was deciding between Sand substrate or Organic Potting soil covered with Another substrate on top if i can't decide which ill just go with normal gravel but should i go for pea sized or medium sized? i read that pea sized can crush the roots of plants is this true? which would you prefer in a planted 5g tank?

 

[jones57742]

i can't decide which ill just go with normal gravel but should i go for pea sized or medium sized? i read that pea sized can crush the roots of plants is this true? which would you prefer in a planted 5g tank?

Lu:

3/8" subrounded aggregate 1" deep.

I wouldn't do the potting soil.

2" of Flourite or laterite overlaid by 1" of subrounded aggregate is preferable.

TR

 

[iLunar]

Lu:

3/8" subrounded aggregate 1" deep.

I wouldn't do the potting soil.

2" of Flourite or laterite overlaid by 1" of subrounded aggregate is preferable.

TR

Problem is i can't find Flourite and Laterite in any of my LFS even the one near my city (2 hour drive) the sand is just maybe as im having a problem finding it too, maybe i should just use my black natural gravel + Root tabs

 

[jones57742]

... maybe i should just use my black natural gravel + Root tabs

Lu:

Yes.

You will probably not need root tabs for many plants.

TR

 

[iLunar]

Lu:

Yes.

You will probably not need root tabs for many plants.

TR

i Agree with that but i'd just put some tabs just in case to add nutrients to the gravel for the plants :thumbsup:

 

[katana1200]

I used potting soil under gravel in my 5 gal hex that I planted for my betta. I have around 2wpg, planted with java fern, java moss, 1 crypt lutea, 1 crypt california sunset, and some guppie grass. I used smallish rounded gravel and Fertiloam Ultimate potting soil at a 1:1 ratio apx. The fertiloam is mainly peat so there is a bit of staining of the water due to tannins but I havn't had it set up for very long (2 months). So far I think it is working out well. A little extra carbon would probably help with the tannins but I don't mind the color really. I have a happy betta and some nice plant growth.

 

[dundadundun]

npt is the easiest way to go really once it's set up. there was a guy who used cocofiber for a bottom layer around here a bit ago and his tank came out fantastic.

 

[FastFly67]

I use sand in just about all my tanks. I have MTS to keep it stirred and root tabs for root feeding plants. (If you go this route, let me know because I can hook you up with both for a great price)

 

[jptjpt]

Don't knock mineralized-soil substrate until you've tried it. I switched all 3 of my tanks to mineralized-soil substrate after using Eco-complete. Plants do grow well with Eco, but plants grew better with mineralized-soil substrate compared to Eco and you don't need to be on top of the tank all the time in terms of maintenance.

 

[myswtsins]

If you are interested in flourite, or laterite, you can get it at Drs Foster & Smith and they don't charge a heavy item charge AND shipping is a flat $5.99 right now.