Laterite Question

[mike_danger]

Hi all,

Yesterday I did the huge task of taking everything out of my tank to put a laterite layer underneath my gravel, I have used First Layer Pure Laterite.

My question is do i need to add anything to make the laterite work as I read in a book that you need to add a 'bacterial culture' to make it work...I hope not as it means everything out again

I now have Co2, laterite, and I add flourish...so my plants should grow like mad! - and i got into this for the fishkeeping lol!!

Michael

 

[AndyTaylor]

I've never heard that 'bacterial culture' thing, Micheal. As far as I know, the benefit in laterite is in its ability to hold nutrients, I don't think bacteria have anything to do with it.

 

[jimbooo]

correct. never heard that before either.

 

[Dubby]

Laterite will work all by itself. It has a fairly good ability to hold nutrients called its CEC (cationic exchange capacity). It also has a large content of iron, aluminium and other trace minerals which benefit the plants.

 

[mike_danger]

Thanks for all your replies, I now know not to trust books lol!

BTW - how long does it last for, will i need to put more in lets say 6 months time?

Michael

 

[Dubby]

Depends on the number of plants you have and their uptake. In general for a high tech (CO2 etc.) heavily planted tank, you would probably need to replenish it once a year.