Moving House, A New Start?

[Coomon10]

I have a mature 260l tank with sand substrate and a few flourishing plants.

We are due to move house soon and am considering using the upheaval as a chance to re-scape the tank and move more towards live plants. Am currently thinking of using the java fern, moss and other such hardy plants so as to not have to include expensive CO2 upgrades and to keep current lighting.

Will these new additions thank me for replacing the sand with gravel? Do I need something more than that, such as what Fillet O'Fish mentions in his post? I would really appreciate your advice/views...

TIA

 

[netcode]

I always promote sand as a great substrate for planting in.

Also you should take into mind that plants need some sort of substrate that has nutrients in it, well not necessarily NEED but will no doubt benefit and be much healthier. My suggestion is if you want to stay cheap look at making your own substrate (nutrient rich materials mixed with gravel etc) and topping it off with some nice decorative substrate such as sand, or fine gravel.

Java fern and moss are good plants if you want to stay low tech and under low light. Also check some hygrophilas and crypts.

You may also want to add in some liquid ferts just for the added benefit. But stay away from anything with major nutrients such as Nitrates because low light = slow growth and slow nutrient uptake and left over nutrients = algae.


hope this helps

 

[Coomon10]

Thanks that does help. Can you help a little more with 'nutrient rich materials' maybe an example or something so i can search? Also wrt substrate depth, if i have gravel does it mean i can be deeper than sand since i was told deep sand catches the o2 and harbours harmful bacteria...

Also can anyone tell me how they deal with algae growth on plants, do you just have to be extra careful and rub it off?