Sand substrate

[kamikaziechameleon]

I'm looking to setup a 35 gallon hex planted tank in my room. I'd like to do a sand substrate. I was looking for input on this. I was thinking play sand might be a good choice as the clay content could be beneficial to the plants. I guess my question to you guys is how do you go about doing a planted tank with a sand substrate? Do I need to put down some soil or something under it? Stock for the tank will be mainly inverts with some small tetras and otos.

 

[anarekist]

i used Seachem Flourite Black Sand when i had a planted tank.

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

i used Seachem Flourite Black Sand when i had a planted tank.

you don't need to put down anything under sand for plants?

 

[Zfishies]

To keep mine from floating I used a rock and placed it on the roots and it grows perfectly in my 10g the roots are not growing around, and on top of the rock now its a sand bottom tank BTW. Its a banna leaf plant

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[anarekist]

you don't need to put down anything under sand for plants?

you still have to dose ferts, but the sand was perfect for it, its clay based, soft enough that you could push the plant roots all the way to the bottom, usually it was enough to keep the plants from floating.

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

How deep should the sand be, 2 or 3 inches?

 

[anarekist]

CaribSea Eco Complete Black is good too and cheaper. i think this is what i actually got, its more on the grey scale too, also dont have to dose ferts. mostly juts trace minerals and excel (if no co2)

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

I've had play sand before, it looks amazing IMHO and shouldn't be damaging to any of the fish I want to keep. I might bet khulie loaches but I've kept them in play sand before to great result. Play sand looks great with green plants, some darker landscaping rocks and a dark driftwood. I'm waiting to resolve my filter conundrum. Will it settle on leaves in a damaging way or will my little inverts and otos clean them off adequately. That was my prime concern.

 

[EmilyMarie85]

I use CaribSea Eco Complete Black in my 125 planted. Works great. I would aim for 2-1/2"-3" depth.

you don't need to put down anything under sand for plants?

There are a few ways to do it. If you want to do a soil base you CAN but it is not necessary. A soil base would mean less ferts you would have to dose, but just like any "plant substrate" that you buy it will eventually lose its nutrients and then you will be dosing ferts anyway... and soil based tanks are a PAIN to move.

Root tabs and fertilizers will keep your plants growing just fine in any substrate. Add CO2 and watch growth EXPLODE.

 

[kamikaziechameleon]

I use CaribSea Eco Complete Black in my 125 planted. Works great. I would aim for 2-1/2"-3" depth.



There are a few ways to do it. If you want to do a soil base you CAN but it is not necessary. A soil base would mean less ferts you would have to dose, but just like any "plant substrate" that you buy it will eventually lose its nutrients and then you will be dosing ferts anyway... and soil based tanks are a PAIN to move.

Root tabs and fertilizers will keep your plants growing just fine in any substrate. Add CO2 and watch growth EXPLODE.

Strange question, does CO2 dosing create a dependency in a tank for it to sustain plants. I've always stayed away from it for that fear. I'd like to grow my tank rapidly to a point then control and shape it if you get my drift.