Plant Substrate

[ArnieStinger]

I need to switch my gravel to a substrate, as I want a planted carpet of moss and will have some phillipine java ferns and star ferns on some mopani wood pieces.

I prefer the substrate to be black, brings out the colour of the plants and fish, what is a good substrate for me to use?

Length of tank is about 30 inches by 5 inches, 95 litre, with 4x 18w T5 bubles (1 not working)

I have 0 nitrites, ammonia and nitrate so ive been adding some tropica minerals to the water so that I can keep alive what is in the tank.

What problems should I expect when I switch the substrate?

Any way to work out how much ill need?

 

[SJ2K]

There is alot of different aqua soils on the market, if you have a little read through some of the more reputable journals here you'll get the general consensus on the most popular ones Good sites will have a conversion chart to tell you how many bags you'll need for the base surface area as well. Finally the only real problem you'll get at first is cloudiness, not a major issue just good filtration and a few small water changes Enjoy.