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I was wondering what kind of plants would be able to go in a tank with a sand bottom. I want to make my 220 a planted discus tank and I would like some plants that are good for ground coverage and some plants that will attach to driftwood.

Hi Mustang

Nice tank size, if it is in gallons (or do you refer to liters? ).

I can for sure make some suggestions with regards to the drifwood attached plants (or rocks, works as well).

There are various kinds of Anubias, Nana and Barteri being the most popluar. There is Java Fern in various varieties, like narrow leaf, Windelow (sp), and the regular one. Also, various mosses are available, most common is the Java Moss.

When it comes to planting in sand the opinions divide, with me being on the side of saying that not too many plants like sand as it tends to compact leaving little to no space for roots to grow. Also, there is a risk of anairobic (sp) bacteria pockets that, upon bursting to the top of the sand, will release poison into the water column that may or may not be harmful to the fish (if large enough it will).

An easy way to create ground coverage would be to use flat rocks and to tie moss to it (depending on the light, maybe Riccia).

You could, of course, also try to divide your tank in an area for plants (with more plant friendly substrate) and a foreground with sand. If that is an option then let me know.

Hope this helps a little,

Ingo

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