Paristheprince
New Member
Hello guys,
I have had a 30 gallon tank for about 6 months now which completed cycling about 3 months ago. I have a couple of plants in the tank that are growing at super slow pace. I really want a tank with vibrant plants to create a natural background for the tropical fish. I currently have this type of substrate covering the bottom for about 2 inches:
I know that for better plant growth I will need a soil-based substrate. I am a little hesitant to totally replace the substrate with soil-based substrate out of the fear that it will suddenly rid the aquarium of the beneficial bacteria living in the blue gravel and cause an ammonium spike. Plus, it will uproot the plants that already rooted in the blue gravel. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to whether it is totally necessary to replace the substrate to induce plant growth. Is there any way around that? Unfortunately, my tank is in a low-light place as well and I cannot move, so I am wondering how best to plant and grow plants efficiently in these conditions. I would appreciate advice from y'all. Thank you!
I have had a 30 gallon tank for about 6 months now which completed cycling about 3 months ago. I have a couple of plants in the tank that are growing at super slow pace. I really want a tank with vibrant plants to create a natural background for the tropical fish. I currently have this type of substrate covering the bottom for about 2 inches:
I know that for better plant growth I will need a soil-based substrate. I am a little hesitant to totally replace the substrate with soil-based substrate out of the fear that it will suddenly rid the aquarium of the beneficial bacteria living in the blue gravel and cause an ammonium spike. Plus, it will uproot the plants that already rooted in the blue gravel. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to whether it is totally necessary to replace the substrate to induce plant growth. Is there any way around that? Unfortunately, my tank is in a low-light place as well and I cannot move, so I am wondering how best to plant and grow plants efficiently in these conditions. I would appreciate advice from y'all. Thank you!