Crushed Coconut

[fish_master]

Is crushed coconut good for substrate (under sand) is it ok???

the shell that is

 

[fish_master]

any 1

 

[Themuleous]

Why do you want to add it?

 

[fish_master]

Because i thourt it would be good for the plants to grow in

 

[Themuleous]

TBH I've not really heard much about people using it, if you want a good plant growth get a 'normal' plant substrate like eco-complete or laterite?

 

[fish_master]

Ok it was just that i have a bag of the stuff and dont wanna spend to much money

 

[Themuleous]

Well in that case give it a try! Then come back and let us know how you got on. I guess it cant do any harm if it doesnt do any good! But dont quote me on that!

Sam

 

[fish_master]

Ok im completly new with planted tanks so do i need a filter and do i need an air pump
and do i set it up like normal
and do i cycle it the same and dose it need cycling if its just plants??

 

[McMurray]

where did you hear that the coconut was good for aquariums or is it what you have said it was just an idea that came to you.

 

[Themuleous]

For easy to keep planted tank, everything is as you would normaly have it and do the cycle as per normal too.

 

[craynerd]

I`m more concerned about what the albino thing is in your tank.

lol, i`m sure the vallice will appreciate the crushed coconut tho.


Seriously, sorry, i have never heard of coconut being used either.

Chris

 

[fish_master]

lol The albino thing is by beloved axolotls pablo and wat is a vallis is that the plant i have in der now??

i only thourt of the coconut shell cause i know it is used for plants but wasnt very sure about in an aquarium thou it has nothing added to it it just crushed coconut shell and thourt maybe it would work

 

[Themuleous]

If i can be toally frank, if it were my tank I wouldn't. Only becuase I've never heard of anyone having used it. However, if your interested in finding out, then add some. Just be prepared to rip the tank apart and take it out if it doesn't work out or worse still pollutes the tank

Sam

Right wanted to get to the bottom of this so did a search on APC and there was a thread about using coconut shells for caves for rams, etc. The people there siad that is doesn't breakdown or rot even after 5years according to one person! They also said it doesn't change the water chemisty, obvious really if it doesnt rot.

If thats the case then adding it to a tank for the plants benefit is pointless, as it wont break down and provide the plants with any nutrients what-so-ever.

Hope that clears it up

Sam

 

[fish_master]

Yea ok its a new tank so i dont realy care i will just play with it for a bit

 

[robjack]

But as Sam said, coconut appears to be completely inert, so there would be no point in using it? Unless you like the look of it, i guess. If you want a cheap substrate, I've read that alot of people use compost (without any ferts in it). Seems to be a debatable topic, though.

Rob.