New Tank Setup

[dbiddle]

Hello,
Ive just bought a 90l Roma tank and am beginning to set it up.
I would like to put some living plants inside eventually, however,
im unsure whether to use a substrate fertiliser + gravel or just the
liquid stuff added to the water. I have bought a large bag of dorset pea gravel
already and have been searching the forum for advice.
Any opinions?
David

 

[Matt_northants]

It all really depends on what plants you intend to keep. In my tanks I dont use any substrate fertiliser and in my blackwater I have amazon swords, ludwigia, brazilian water ivy and twisted vallis growing like nobodies business. I just add a liquid fertiliser when the amazon swords tips start to yellow.

 

[dbiddle]

Thanks for your advice, im quite new to fishkeeping and i have been reading that just sand will suffice in some cases too.
I have got the tank sitting here empty considering the best approach to setting it up!

 

[Matt_northants]

I think for a general community its all upto personal taste. Gravel is maybe better as it doesnt compact but some fish like Geophagus need sand. As long as its safe to go in the choice is yours.