Plants, And Sand As Substrate

[Le Sorcier]

Hi guys,

I am getting a new tank and would like to use sand as a substrate. Is there anything special I need to know with regards plants, or do plants that grow in gravel generally grow in sand?

Also, a problem with my current tank (which is small) is that my plants appear dirty after a while? They grow fine but some of the leaves appear grimey and not pristine like they are when new? Is it just that my tank is not clean enough or should I use fertiliser?

Thanks

 

[SuperColey1]

The grimyness is prbably diatom algae which Otos would eat for you. It could be other kinds of algae from a defficiency somewhere. Piccies would help.

Plants will grow just as well if not better in sand than gravel. Easier to keep down in sand than gravel IME.

Tanks Stats that you are thinking of would be a good start. i.e. Tank Size, Lighting, reflectors, CO2, Plantmass (% substrate covered), fertilisers, nutritious substrate, fishload etc.

Also what your preference is for tank maintenance i.e. Do you want it to grow fast be high maintenance, get to a final scape, take your pictures and then start a new scape OR

A tank that should last a few years with minimal water changes OR

inbetween etc.

The answers you want can only be given to ou once you decide what you want for yourself, then we can help you with advice on your chosen route (or as a famous aquatic plant expert says 'your GOAL')

Andy

 

[Le Sorcier]

Thanks Andy,

Had a look at your tank journal. Superb stuff. Something I can aspire to.

I only have a tiny tank at the moment (30cmx30cmx30cm).

In the future I want to get something like 120cmx40cmx70cm.

I was hoping to stock it with....
1 RTBS
6 to 10 Corydoras
3 to 4 Clown Loach (or Chain Loach if they are not suitable)
6-8 Tiger Barbs OR A few Gouramis (not sure what type)
Maybe some Harlequin Rasboras if space allows?
Oh, and I was also looking at a pair of Cockatoo Cichlids? Could I have them?

What would you think to that sort of stocking? No idea about plants yet? All my LFS's seem very poor regarding plants so I may need to find a good place to order some.


Don't want it too dense and would like to use rocks and wood too. Thought about artificial rocks and wood? Any thoughts?

 

[SuperColey1]

1 RTBS
6 to 10 Corydoras
3 to 4 Clown Loach (or Chain Loach if they are not suitable)
6-8 Tiger Barbs OR A few Gouramis (not sure what type)
Maybe some Harlequin Rasboras if space allows?
Oh, and I was also looking at a pair of Cockatoo Cichlids? Could I have them?

Don't want it too dense and would like to use rocks and wood too. Thought about artificial rocks and wood? Any thoughts?

]

No idea on Cockatoo Cichlids or artificial rocks/wood. I got into plants because I love the natural look and didn't like the 'artificial' things

As for stocking I would stear clear of RTBS (many bad experiences in threads on this forum and others)

Clown Loaches do get large and may just be OK in your tank but I would always go for chain loaches (sidthimunki) although these are more expensive and harder to find but you could get 10 or so of these.

Corydoras sound good to me

Tiger Barbs/Gouramis - Not sure not really a fan

Have a look at the latest page of John Starkey's journal (in the journals link on the main page) and then tell me you haven't decided to go for a large school of cardinal tetras.!!!


As for your tank at the mo 30 x 30 x 30 sounds great. Get some wood and plants in there and if you haven't got fish in there I would suggest Galaxy Rasboras and pygmy corys (10 of eah should be OK with plants, less without)

Thanks for the comment on my journal. This scape has taken over 6 months to reach where it is now and may take another 6 to get to its final appearance so is a bit of a long haul.

Andy

 

[Le Sorcier]

Thanks SuperColey,

I've had my small tank for about 6 months. It houses 3 Platys, 4 Endlers and 3 Corys at the moment.

I really want a decent sized tank and to make a good job of it. What is your opinion on CO2? Will I need it in a bigger tank?

Thanks