Laterite

[mattb22]

Im slowly setting my tank up to have some lush plants, just wondering will I need laterite in my tank. I have just added some new black grit sized shiny gravel that has give my tank an amazing effect. I just dont really fancy ripping it all back out to add a layer of laterite underneath.

I am having about 2-3 wpg and a nutrafin natural co2 system, in my 24x12x12" tank so I need some advice.

Im thinking of having at the front some small grass type plant with a bit of riccia to one side then larger plants building up to the back.

Thanks mattb22

 

[Nim]

laterite helps root feeding plants mostly so depends what you want in the front? Riccia will not care if you have laterite or not but the likes of Echinodorous species and crypts will love it.

You can get flourish tabs as a root feeding system and avoid laterite

Nim

 

[mattb22]

also are these t5 lights ok for aquariums? http/www.firstlightdirect.com/scp/Aquari...e_T5_Tubes.html

Thanks Nim i might buy some flourish tabs then your a star!

 

[Nim]

Sorry Matt, Cant comment on the T5s as I have never used them Only used halides and T8s.

Nim

 

[mattb22]

Ok just having a tough time with t8s atm because the hood only supports 2 which means 15 g tank 2x15 w bulbs = only 2wpg, whereas with t5 you can get 24w bulb to fit the hood 2x 24w = 48 watt, more than 3wpg LOL