Is plant specific substrate necessary?

[schaadrak]

Just plain pool filter sand is void of any nutrients plants might need, so your going to have to dose them if you want your plants to stay healthy.

 

[WyldFya]

Planted substrates are used for maintaining levels of nutrients. Flourite is a very good substrate, but the ADA aquasoils are far superior in looks and balance. Read the stickies for more information.

 

[WyldFya]

18'' long, 12'' wide. it will fill a 10 at 2'' deep. i would do 3 bags. 1 bag covers the bottom of my 75 at 1/4'' deep

10 gallon dimensions 20"x10"x10".

 

[wonword]

another question on substrate. if u use flourite, but want to have the pool filter sand look, can i just layer the pool filter sand over the flourite, or will this cause harmful anerobic bacteria growth and kill the fish?

 

[WyldFya]

The sand will settle down and the flourite will rest on top.

 

[farawayinn]

another thumbs up for the shultz aquatic plant soil

 

[evercl92]

I use soil master select. I'm rather fond of the color and consistency of it. It's similar to the turface that was mentioned. I do use supplemental root tabs though.

 

[mgamer20o0]

soilmaster select and the turface stuff is about the same as eco.... hands down the best is ada soil but its a lot more money then the others.

 

[the_deeb]

Can you just use root tabs when planting in something like Estes sand to substitute for a plant specific substrate?

 

[oOMO3NOo]

i have been doing research on substrate to start my tank too and i was wondering is the schultz aquaticplant soil ok to use with a HOB filter or is it light and will it float around and get sucked up?