how is the best way to achieve a planted tanks

[Mickslack]

HI

Was wondering what is the best way to get plants to take hold and grow in my aquarium i have a external filter so could remove under gravel filter, could anyone tell me the best route, is sand better?

 

[Rodders]

Im not totally up on the names off all the substrate, but you need to mix in nutrient rich substrate. Gravel alone wont provide the nutrients the plants need for healthy growth. I think flourite is one of them, these can be mixed into the gravel substrate you have.
Sand is good, but not on its own, it too doesnt provide the nutrients. I've also read it compacts down and the roots of plants struggle to grow. But mixing a nutrient rich substrate into this would help let the roots grow.

Till someone else comes along, hope this helps a little.

 

[Mickslack]

Im not totally up on the names off all the substrate, but you need to mix in nutrient rich substrate. Gravel alone wont provide the nutrients the plants need for healthy growth. I think flourite is one of them, these can be mixed into the gravel substrate you have.
Sand is good, but not on its own, it too doesnt provide the nutrients. I've also read it compacts down and the roots of plants struggle to grow. But mixing a nutrient rich substrate into this would help let the roots grow.

Till someone else comes along, hope this helps a little.

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which nutrient rich substrate would you reccomend?

 

[zig]

You could start by reading the pinned articles at the top of this section, particularily the one on lighting, your lighting will determine what you can and cannot grow, i would say its the one area in plantkeeping that an awful lot of people get wrong and subsequently fail and then give up keeping plants in their aquarium.

There are lots of different substrates you can use but without the right lighting they will be of little value, so id start by looking at your lighting and see if you have enough or need to do a bit of upgrading.

Just ask if your not sure of anything.