this is a? for you plant tank experts

[crazysteve]

Can I grow plants well using crushed coral, in a 90 gal tank with an under gravel filter. And ph around 7.8 to 8 ?
Or in my 125 that also has under gravel. It has clay sand and rock ?
Tanks temps at 82 or higher.

 

[fish042099]

I've heard crushed corals produce high ph.

 

[wantokeeptrout]

you could do hardy plants like vals, fanwort or java fern In my opinion as long as you mee the light/nutrient requirements for plants flexable for PH. pretty much any of the "beginner" plants would work in a high ph tank. i have a val that grew out of my coral substrate. crushed coral is primarily used in african rift valley and saltwater tanks to maintain a steady ph of around 8, much cheaper then constantly adding supplements to the water.

 

[crazysteve]

I've heard crushed corals produce high ph.

Yes it dose I also have wood in tanks that pull down on ph CorelDraw pushes ph my ph Stays around 8.
Witch is great for me due to tap stays around 7.8.
The reason it good for me I do 70 to 80% water changes every week.
I I never have a problem with ph shock.
If tank ph was set up to stay low 6 to 7.
Then I could only do 20% water changes. Or I would kill fish due to ph shock.
Unless I used a tank to ajust ph before water change witch would be a big pain. Due to I have 7 tanks largest to date a 300

 

[crazysteve]

you could do hardy plants like vals, fanwort or java fern In my opinion as long as you mee the light/nutrient requirements for plants flexable for PH. pretty much any of the "beginner" plants would work in a high ph tank. i have a val that grew out of my coral substrate. crushed coral is primarily used in african rift valley and saltwater tanks to maintain a steady ph of around 8, much cheaper then constantly adding supplements to the water.

Tks my tank stays 7.7 to 8 but as i said it also has wood it in.
I have 2 80 watt high presure sodiums not being used yet. 4 foot bulbs on my tanks

 

[zoohouse]

Anubias are pretty hardy in higher ph's. Can be done. Whats the stock?

 

[crazysteve]

Anubias are pretty hardy in higher ph's. Can be done. Whats the stock?

Flowerhorn or flowerhorns. Not sure what tank yet.
Will any of the short grass like hair grass work?

 

[mgamer20o0]

driftwood doesnt really lower the ph much at all. what is your tap water ph kh/gh vs the tank? most plants are fine in higher ph water.