Sand - Questions About Planting

[KathyM]

Hi

I'm setting up a 23 US gallon tank, and have some Argos playsand, which I'm wanting to use as I'm going to be adding some cories.

I don't want a super heavily planted tank but I would like to plant it up a bit. Do I need anything under the sand for the plants? Are there plants that can cope with being planted in sand only? If I have to add another substrate underneath, what is the most econominal one and will it mix with the sand? I did get some finish gravel with the tank, although it's not very *natural* looking - would this end up showing through if I used it underneath where I plant?

Thanks

Kathy

 

[SuperColey1]

I think it should be OK, with just gravel underneath as long as you're careful with the sand. If you put plants in and you have put a substrate underneath like the clay ones etc. you have to be supercareful when you put plants in so that you're not pulling the substrate through the sand and into the water, where it would go cloudy as **** which is obviously the last thing you want.

I am going the substrate + Sand route in the next week (tomorrow if the plants arrive today or tomorrow). Then the pitbulls can be proud when they see their new home next saturday. (Can't wait for these to come)

 

[Themuleous]

I would probably avoid adding anything to the sand, it'll inevitable mix and ruin the effect the sand gives. And you can get decent plant growth without a plant substrate, you just have to chose the plants carefully.

Sam

 

[SuperColey1]

I would probably avoid adding anything to the sand, it'll inevitable mix and ruin the effect the sand gives. And you can get decent plant growth without a plant substrate, you just have to chose the plants carefully.

Sam

I bought a bucket of Tetra Complete Substrate and it says add a 2-3cm layer of gravel on top. I'm going with 2cm of play sand instead though. It's just that I am going from 2 small plants to heavily planted and I want to give that huge clamour for Nutrients a chance from day one, after all it will eventually have nothing left to give and just makes sure that they get what they need at the beginning whilst they take hold.

I'm gonna add the Tropica Fert as well each week, seeing as 1 year supply for my tank is only £15

 

[KathyM]

Thanks very much, both of you

Sam - any tips on which plants to go for with an only sand substrate?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah i've done pretty well with just sand

what's gonna be in the tank and what sort of look do you want to go for with the decor?

 

[KathyM]

Hi Miss Wggle - thanks for your reply. Planned inhabitants for the tank so far are cories, and some bamboo shrimps. We haven't got further planning wise than that as yet.

 

[Themuleous]

I think most plants should be ok in sand, I know people who've managed amazing scape's in sand, what I have heard is that the more delicate plants like glosso and HC don't do as well, but I've not used sand myself. As for plants without a plant substrate, I would go for ones that are generally described as undemanding. There is a list in the pinned plant list (started by Rose) of undemanding plants (sometimes called low light plants), these would be a good start. Plant choice also depends on your lighting level.

Sam

 

[KathyM]

Thanks very much. I'll have a look at the list. As for lighting, why didn't I think of that? Haven't even turned the lid over since the tank arrived yesterday. Been a bit busy here!

 

[KathyM]

That's a really good idea! I certainly could easily do the majority of planting that way. I've got a tonne of "indian fern" (no idea of what species that is) as a floating plant in my big tank - I'm going to use some of the smaller plantlets in the new tank. Grows like a weed, it's fab.

I wouldn't mind some slightly taller plants though actually in the substrate. Would some form of hygro be okay?