I forgot the soil...

[ucng]

Hi guys,
i recently started a red cherry shrimp only 10 gallon tank. the bottom is only about 1 inch of sand and i just introduced some dwarf hairgrass into the tank. My question:

Should i remove everything and put a layer of soil on the bottom and then layer the sand on top? The thing is my tank is already established and there are already shrimp in it so i wouldn't want to put them through that stress. I will be waiting for your opinions. In another thread, someone suggested that i use root tabs, but would this suffice over a long period of time? I want the grass to eventually spread across and form a carpet. Please help.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Root tabs should work fine. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you are trying to do a crazy planted tank with hard to grow plants. Hairgrass isn't too difficult... use the root tabs, dose with fertilizer, and have good lighting.

 

[carsona246]

if by soil you mean potting soil I would stick with sand. most plants should be just fine with just sand

 

[ucng]

if by soil you mean potting soil I would stick with sand. most plants should be just fine with just sand

no i mean like actual aquarium soil.

 

[FLESHY]

Regardless of what you want to grow you are going to pretty much have to use root nutrient supplementation no matter what. GL