Sand or Gravel

[George Farmer]

This should help - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=85127

 

[qwikimpss]

Thanks everyone for the advice! Good thread Gf225, answered a lot of questions, i think i'm gonna order up some flourite and some heavier duty lighting from big al's today!

 

[zig]

Don't let anyone tell you that a nice planted tank cant be sand!!!

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I simply pointed out there are better alternatives, the fact still remains sand is inert and contains no benificial minerals.

But good for you if you find sand works, each to his own.

Although if someone asks for advice in this section of the forum on a substrate for a planted tank sand would not be on the list of answers i would give for the above reason.

 

[George Farmer]

Good point zig. Plain sand is fine as long as one has plenty of the required nutrients in the water column - otherwise where else can the plants get their nutrients from?

 

[zig]

Its one of the most difficult things to change in a planted tank once you get setup and if you can afford a better alternative in the beginning its the way to go, and realistically its a one off cost that should probably not have to be changed and your plants will definatly benifit, of that i have no doubt.

But off course i have seen many sucessful planted tanks with sand as a substrate, it just wouldnt be my choice and for that reason i would point to alternatives if the individual could afford it.

 

[qwikimpss]

I find a planted tank with a sand substrate to be gorgeous. But if my plants will do beter with gravel and flourite I'll go that way! (which I am) My theory ALWAYS is function over form.