Sand As Substrate?

[bravehart]

Completely new to this so please excuse my ignorance. My wife and duaghter went to the LFS to buy our start up tank and a few plants to get us started. I have read somewhere that you should not put plants in sand, and the substrate looks like builders sharp sand to me although the LFS told her it was 'fine gravel'. We have rinsed it before putting it in the tank, but will the plants be ok in this?

 

[ian]

Plants do better in sand. If its from a LFS it should be aquarium sand rather than sharp sand. If it is sharp you just have to be careful if your gonna add bottom feeders.

 

[raptorrex]

Completely new to this so please excuse my ignorance. My wife and duaghter went to the LFS to buy our start up tank and a few plants to get us started. I have read somewhere that you should not put plants in sand, and the substrate looks like builders sharp sand to me although the LFS told her it was 'fine gravel'. We have rinsed it before putting it in the tank, but will the plants be ok in this?

I would suggest sand! if you want that, just pop down to ARGOS or Toysrus, pick up a bag, or so, of Play Sand. it costs £3-4 and just needs rinsing.

as for what you were sold? dont know. not many aquarium gravels look "sharp" to me. did it have a brand name?

 

[lljdma06]

Gravel or sand is fine. Only the smallest stemplants really seem to need a finer substrate, maybe some of the grasses, and most of those will not be sold at a LFS.

llj