Substrate Ferts

[BigIan]

This is my first tank and i would love lots of plants in it, however i never realised you hadd to add ferts to the substrate untill i started cycleing the tank.
Is there any i can add by simply "mixing" with the sand instead of having to layer it underneath the sand?
or do i have to pull all my sand to the front and then put some fert in at the back then push my sand back over the top of it,


any advice much apriciated

 

[nicklfire]

depends which kind of substrate you get right, like florite stuff i believe you def need it underneath the tank.

the stuff i'm running red sea substrate is recommended not to be mixed with gravel or sand or anything, it's a pretty neat compound and works wonders.

my advise is to safe yourself the hansle down the road when your tanks really up and going and buy it, read the directions and do it right. You dont wanna mess around with substrate, it's expensive stuff at times and you wanna get your money out of it. What's the use of substrate when it's sitting on top of your sand, when it's supposed to be helpin ur plants roots... am i right _

cheers

 

[Dubby]

Root tabs can be safely added after you've setup the tank. Even clay can be added - just roll it into small balls and dry/bake them in an oven before inserting under the sand. This way it wont cloud the water.

 

[lljdma06]

Root tabs can be safely added after you've setup the tank. Even clay can be added - just roll it into small balls and dry/bake them in an oven before inserting under the sand. This way it wont cloud the water.

I currently use root tabs and have had success with them. I forget which brand I use, since I brilliantly threw away the packaging. Silly me! They need to be replaced every three months.