Planted aquarium vs sand/gravel tank

[ArowanaMan99]

I am getting a larger tank for my babies and want to know if you guys think a planted aquarium would be better than a tank with sand / fine gravel. Money isn't really the issue. I just want my guys to be happy and live long.

Cheers

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Most of my setups over the years have been planted. I have run some bare bottom and tanks with substrate and unplanted. All can be run so as to be healthy environments for the fish.
I guess a big question will be if the fish can get along with plants. Some fish will snack on the plants and others will uproot planted tanks.
This may turn out to be a personal preference thing.
Good luck whichever way you go.

 

[Mighty Wizard]

I don't know as much as I'd like to about Snakeheads yet. That being said, my Burmese and 3 Bankas seem to enjoy their plants immensely. The big bushy ones and floating plants especially.

 

[Achilles1763]

Lots of plants and a good substrate are the basics for a good channa set up. As they are normally wild caught mimicking their home waters is this easiest way to get the best out if the fish. The plants also allow for the very few water changes needed for a successful channa tank. The more heavily planted the better!

 

[Gazham]

I find sand ends up in the filter a lot, as some snakeheads dig, or as bigger boys move around the tank. I settled on a 2/3mm gravel in the end. I like a lot of wood and silk plants. I've never had much luck with live plants in sub tropical tanks, especially. Potted plants have survived the rough and tumble that snakeheads can cause a bit better I've found.

 

[Madou]

Plants, as many as you can fit.
If they have to wiggle themselves through vegetation, then it's enough plants.