Hypothetically

[Angry_Platy]

If I were to, say, hypothetically, remove all the plants from my tank and go back to a non-planted tank, would the laterite in the substrate have to be removed?

Just wondering

 

[jimbooo]

now now AP, why would you be wondering that?

the honest answer is i would think so. the laterite will be a good source of nutrients for algae is the plants weren't in there.

whats up then? it hasn't been long since the rebuild. your bound to have a few teething problems at first.

 

[Angry_Platy]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=107174

Read and weep....or help!!! LOL!!!

 

[zig]

Just go for it AP, you have spent a lot of money and it would be a shame to waste it by just sticking with a fish only tank, you CAN have a beautiful planted tank, yes its a bit more hassle but thats half the fun, its just like any gardening, let it go wild and you will get weeds, neglect a planted tank and you get algae, nice gardens require maintainence and so do planted tanks.

But there is absolutely no reason to give up, if you are not sure of anything or want a helping hand i would be glad to be able to do that rather than see you give up, i guarentee once you get started you wont look back, and fishtanks without plants will look alien to you after a few months, they just wont look natural, tbh they are pretty boring.

Anyway there are loads of people here that will help you, me included, just give it a go, its definatly a lot to get your head around in the beginning but once you get over that initial period you will have learnt a skill for life or as long as you keep fish you will also keep plants.

 

[Angry_Platy]

Read Here

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!

 

[lljdma06]

Read Here

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!

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Don't give up AP. I am very poor and manage to grow plants. I don't use CO2, just liquid fertilizer and lots of light. I practice the "siesta", so the lights are off for about 2-3 hours during the day, sandwiched by 4-5 hours. I do the best that I can. I love gardening, so this is just an extension of my gardening. You'll be ok, just have to be stubborn with it.