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	Substrate For Planted Tank
IhAvEsOmEfIsH Hobbyist Posts: 145 Kudos: 95 Votes: 2 Registered: 13-Aug-2004	Was is the best substrate to use in a planted tank? Would fine sand or thick gravel be better? I'm setting up a planted 10 gallon and wanna make sure i do everything perfect oh and also when you add live plants does your tank have to be cycled first, do water parameters harm plants?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:22
Bob Wesolowski Mega Fish Posts: 1379 Kudos: 1462 Registered: 14-Oct-2004	I really don't recommend sand for a substrate. In general, it is a sterile medium that is e to compacting and creating anaerobic hot spots. However, a white sand substrate can be very nice looking... Substrates are the base for a planted aquarium. If you decide to go with gravel use an underlayment of fluorite, a clay based substrate. The depth of the overall substrate should be 2 to 4 inches. Look at EcoComplete as a substrate. The product requires no rinsing and I have had good planted tank results. __________ "To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research." researched from Steven Wright
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:22
IhAvEsOmEfIsH Hobbyist Posts: 145 Kudos: 95 Votes: 2 Registered: 13-Aug-2004	I'm not sure if white would do well, becuase I'm intrested in keeping neon tetras and i hear they need dark gravel... Last edited by ihavesomefish at 01-Feb-2005 23:39
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:22
sham Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3369 Kudos: 2782 Votes: 98 Registered: 21-Apr-2004	Take a look over on the plant section and you'll find tons of topics and posts on substrate. I love sand tanks but white sand gets dirty way too easy and ends up looking bad. Black tahitian moon sand is my favorite but sand also can compact too much and cause problems with plants. I use a 50/50 mix of eco complete and sand. I've only used gravel in 1 tank and it only has 2 crypts but I think pea sized is reccommended.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:22
Cory_Di Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 7953 Kudos: 2917 Votes: 25 Registered: 19-Dec-2002	The Eco-Complete is black or at least very dark. It will make the neons really stand out. I'm planning on Eco-complete and am glad to here it works well.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:22


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