Substrate Compatability

[mishmash]

Hi
 
I am thinking of setting up an Apistogramma tank.  It will not be biotope correct as I am thinking of having it as a hi tech tank.  I do, however, want to go with sand as a substrate, but I also want to have something nutritious under the sand for the plants to get a good start (will add ferts and injected CO2 also).
 
What are my best options to enable this ?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Honestly, if you are going with adding ferts and injected CO2, there's no need for a special substrate.  The plants can get sufficient ferts from the water column.  So, I'd just stick to the single substrate.  I've done multiple substrates in the past, and inevitably, they mix and the one you wanted on top ends up on bottom and vice versa.  

 

[bricko]

Likewise as Eglesaquarium stated I have used various mixes of substrate in the past and they end up mixing.  The finer sand will always sink below the larger substrate and I guarantee it will annoy you in the end