Peat In The First Layer?

[sub.42]

Hi all.

About to embark on the big tank turnover. I will be stripping the tank starting tomorrow morning. I am adding a heater cable, Aquabasis plus, Proflora, and API Laterite, and pressurised Co2. I have already added the HOT5 tube.

I am hoping to provide a diverse substrate, and finally really get into the plant thing, knowing that the substrate can handle a really heavy plant load. What I need to know is if there is any real benefit to adding peat in the substrate? I have been told it can be beneficial, but I thought I would ask here first!

Any advice?

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[zig]

You just need to add a sprinkling of peat beneath the main substrate, i dont know how big your tank is but think "handful of peat" rather than inches of peat or anything like that, any mulm, fish waste etc. can be added also, im not 100% sure how it works but apperantly it helps activate or mature a substrate quicker.

 

[sub.42]

You just need to add a sprinkling of peat beneath the main substrate, i dont know how big your tank is but think "handful of peat" rather than inches of peat or anything like that, any mulm, fish waste etc. can be added also, im not 100% sure how it works but apperantly it helps activate or mature a substrate quicker.

Well, I'm thinking that the box of JBL Tormec under the tank is looking like a prime candidate for inclusion. Oh hell, it can't hurt. It's only 800grm or so. Its a Juwel Rio 180.

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[The-Wolf]

I have a 1" layer of fullers earth beneath 2" of pool filter sand.
it is, IMHO, a great sub-substrate. the plants manage to get a good rooting and then they just grow and grow and grow.

the fullers earth I used was actually Petex cat litter, having first check with Petex that it is 100% natural with no addatives.

 

[George Farmer]

I sounds like a very nice set-up sub.

Nice substrate - lots of nutrients with all those products!

Is assume HOT5 is high-output T5? What tubes are you using?

Have you planned a fert dosing regime yet? It sounds like you'll be getting a lot of growth with your lighting, CO2 and substrate.

Good luck with the strip down.

 

[sub.42]

Well gf,

I'm using a 'Realux' T5 unit, from Aqua Essentials. It's the complete unit version, with the reflector and starter all incorporated together. I did worry a little about being unable to change the tube, but with it lasting 7000 hrs, it will outlast this tanks expected lifetime with me. I will only be keeping this one for a year or so.

I have used a lot of goodies in the substrate, and I hope that there is enough. Working with what all the manufacturers said about amounts of product, and the substrate as it was, being a 60/40 mix of 2-4mm pea gravel to aquaclay already, I used as follows.

Aquabasis Plus 5 litres x1
JBL Florapol 600gm x1
API Laterite 1.56Kg X1
JBL Tormec peat granular 1 litre x1
AquaEl 25w Heater cable x1(obviously )

I must admit, I was a little worried about how little Laterite API said was necessary. I gutted the tank, and layed in the cable, being careful not to kink it too much. I then poured the Tormec onto the tank bottom, and spread it out. It only really filled up the gaps inbetween the cable, so onto that went the Aquabasis. I then rinsed out the Laterite, sprinkled that around (my oh my, it looked just sooooo pitiful) and then added the Florapol in the areas I will be planting Crypts. I then put the existing back over the top, giving it about 40mm over the new stuff at the front, and 60mm at the back.

I have read that the addition of a heater cable makes the plants root faster, and feed better. The water onion that I took out of the left mid of the tank had roots TWO FEET long!. Maybe it'll climb out of the tank and do a dance now...... Anyway, now I'm just waiting for the new year, and I'll be dropping Andy at Greenline a big list, cos it looks sparse now I've lobbed all the dead looking plants out.



Yes, I know the background glass is still spattered with aquabasis, but that will give me a little something to do when I'm hungover tomorrow.
It's three hours since I 'finished', and the water is beginning to take on that 'glassy' look again. I think I'm going to order another light unit from Aqua Essentials. Just to take me up to 2.something WPG. Still got a lot to learn, and a long way to go.

Thanks for all your help guys, this forum is a darth of info.

Happy new year to you all, hope you all have a good one tonight

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PS, going to borrow my Sisters camera next time, I've dropped this one and its gone silly.