Also, I am considering to have 1 layer of tanish color gravel at the bottom of the tank since it will be from my matured tank for seeding and also give that 1 extra inch of layering for any substrates that go on top without affecting the look. I don't imagine the gravel will be mixed in with flourite or whatever the main substrate is. I hope thats ok. Thoughts anyone?
New to Planted Tank and need help~!!!
- Thread starter RoyalPiranha
- Start date
The concern about depth didn't sound right to me, so I did some poking around and found this article on the planted tank forum.
But maybe the difference is explained by water clarity? All of my (admittedly limited) experience has been with clear water; the planted tank forum guy did point out that peaty/blackwater setups would have more light attenuation.
Anyway, RoyalPiranha keeps wanting input about substrate and people keep talking about light lol. I'd go with flourite or something like it for the bottom 2", then an inch or two of whatever looks right to you on top of that. That is, I wouldn't spend the money to make the entire depth be flourite, and you might find something more pleasing to your eye to top it off. If you were only using java ferns and whatever else doesn't need to be rooted in the substrate, it wouldn't really matter...but if you want more plants in the future, and if you want vals and swords and whatnot now, it's probably wise to have a good nutritious bottom layer
But maybe the difference is explained by water clarity? All of my (admittedly limited) experience has been with clear water; the planted tank forum guy did point out that peaty/blackwater setups would have more light attenuation.
Anyway, RoyalPiranha keeps wanting input about substrate and people keep talking about light lol. I'd go with flourite or something like it for the bottom 2", then an inch or two of whatever looks right to you on top of that. That is, I wouldn't spend the money to make the entire depth be flourite, and you might find something more pleasing to your eye to top it off. If you were only using java ferns and whatever else doesn't need to be rooted in the substrate, it wouldn't really matter...but if you want more plants in the future, and if you want vals and swords and whatnot now, it's probably wise to have a good nutritious bottom layer
LOL, thats so funny that you mentioned that. I was thinking that too, flourite/substrate guys! Thanks for your input.
I'll probably do 1 inch of gravel, then 1.5 inch of flourite and then 1 inch of sand....but im concern the sand will get mixed into the flourite. I cant say for sure ive seen flourite up close or could tell from pics what it would look like.
So once I put down the flourite, and gravel, I should not ever mess with it correct? So the sand mixing might not be a concern.....anyone?
I'll probably do 1 inch of gravel, then 1.5 inch of flourite and then 1 inch of sand....but im concern the sand will get mixed into the flourite. I cant say for sure ive seen flourite up close or could tell from pics what it would look like.
So once I put down the flourite, and gravel, I should not ever mess with it correct? So the sand mixing might not be a concern.....anyone?
If you're going to spend the money on Flourite, just use flourite. It's not a substrate that should be mixed.
WyldFya or JasonG??? Need help...I read the beginners to plants thread and the link to the soil topping and im intrigue. I was thinking of using plastic sheets beneath the substrate to keep it from being too messy. Any thoughts?
Also, I want to make my purcahse today....
But if you are going to layer the substrates, you want the flourite and sand on the bottom with the gravel on top, otherwise you could have a lethal gas build up since there will be air gaps under the sand layer. So it would be best to do the sand/flourite mix on bottom with the gravel on top
Okay, I'm willing to not put gravel if it complicates things. I was only using it just because I had extra. For appearance, I want the best looking top layer...I assume sand or flourite?
Sorry been at other forums.
"soil topping" Are you speaking of what I mentioned earlier in the thread about DIRTING a tank? Like I mentioned before it is the best way, even for simple plants, to substrate a tank and is low maintaince (NONE actually) I never vacuum my tank. Forget about the plastic sheet.
Actually I would suggest fine gravel. If you have the money that you just want to throw in a direction, sure go with flourite.
