Planting Medium

[mnew]

I want to have a planted tank, and wondered if I should put a plant medium under the gravel to help the plants grow? Will this medium affect the water colour like wood can?

I remember using many years ago, but things have changed so much in this hobby.

 

[n3ont3tra]

It will DEFINATELY help the plants, since most gain nutrients through the roots. It will cloud the water a lot, but it'll clear. It has no negative affect on the fish. Just remember, don't rinse the substrate too much before you put it in.

 

[mark.w.jones]

I want to have a planted tank, and wondered if I should put a plant medium under the gravel to help the plants grow? Will this medium affect the water colour like wood can?

I remember using many years ago, but things have changed so much in this hobby.

The planted tanks forum may be more appropriate than here but I would recommend 3 quarters of an inch large ish gravel 5-8mm then the same depth on top of this of laterite then maybe 1" of small gravel 2 - 3mm as the top layer. This creates great growing conditions for plants. This website is also of use:

http/fish.mongabay.com/plant_care.htm

 

[mnew]

Ok thanks for the advice