substrate depth

[kenneth_kpe]

im in the process of planning to set up my tank again from scratch im gonna use sere floredepot under over a layer of size 3 gravel.... its only a 13 gallon tank and i use the general 3 inch rule... its gonna eat up a lot of space ? so should i go with the 3 " rule or just layer it til im satisfied ?? : )

 

[George Farmer]

Personally I would go for about 1.5" at the front sloping to 3" at the back. This will give you an illusion of a deeper tank. It also depends on what you intend planting, most fast growing stem plants don't need much fertile substrate but Echinodorus species (Amazon Swords) and Crypts will require a deeper more nutrient-rich substrate. Take time in planning your setup in the early stages and it will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the longer term.

Good luck and let us know how things go.