Flourite Question

[Andeekaii]

Just a quick question here really.

I've just bought a Rio 180 tank and im wondering how many bags I need. I've used the online calculator and 3 bags for a 2" layer, or 4 bags for a 3" layer.

My question is, can i add a 1" layer of normal black gravel to the bottom of the tank, and 2 inches of flourite over the top? Will this be detrimental to the roots of the plant, or will they just spread along the most nutritious part of the bed?

I'm just asking because £80 is a lot to spend on gravel (when you're a student anyway!) and if possible i'd rather stick to 3 bags.

Cheers, Andy

 

[angelfishguy]

why dont you get the 3 bags and mix the normal gravel with it to give you the extra height

 

[Andeekaii]

Would that be okay?

Would there be a difference between:

1" gravel + 2" flourite
and
3" gravel and flourite mixed?

I dont really want to mix it because the flourite is really fine and the gravel isn't. I prefer the look of the flourite so i want to keep it on top if possible.

 

[RadaR]

My question is, can i add a 1" layer of normal black gravel to the bottom of the tank, and 2 inches of flourite over the top?

Simply put, yes.

 

[Katty]

The larger pieces will eventually settle themselves out on top, with the smaller particles on the bottom. You say the fluorite is very fine, so it might just settle itself on the bottom anyways, whether you mix it or not. I don't know how this would effect the plants or anything, however.