sand substrate

[danski]

well i know sand isnt very good for planted tanks but i really like the way mine looks and dont really want to change over to flourite quite yet. So iwas wondering is there anything i can do to make it more suitable to plant into? Can i just say mix in some laterlite maybe.Right now everything is tied to the rootwood but id like to be able to put somethin in the sand in particular places. I do have some stem plants arriving tomorrow can they go into the sand?Thanks Dan

 

[zig]

Sand tends to compact over time, so now and again run your fingers or something through it, but dont disturb the roots of any plants, this will loosen up the sand and make it easier for the roots to push through.

You could use laterite sprinkled around the roots of each plant in the sand, this would definatly help, and then you could cover the laterite up with a little sand.

Sand by itself is inert so of no real benifit to the plants.

 

[danski]

okay great.So do you reccomend laterite before flourite? I think when i decide to change im gonna go with the flourite. For some reason i see a lot really great tanks with flourite. Laterite too but ive been reading a little on flourite.But no biggie i will definately give the laterite covered with sand a go. Thanks zig

 

[danski]

sorry i see you already answered my other questions in the other thread zig.

 

[zig]

Id recommend 100% flourite, but that costs money, the sand and laterite will work ok, but if you come into some money you will know how you can spend it

 

[danski]