Substrate For Planted Tank?

[tropicalwaters]

I am upgarding my 20G to a custom half-hex ( approx. 35 G) and would like to do a planted tank.

-So, first things first what substrate to use?

also, any recomendations on a co2 injector? thanks

 

[shang hi]

i use eco compleate and it is asome for heavy root feeding plants like amazon sword, it changes colour naturaly so it starts all black and then starts to slowly change, i have a wonderful natural effect now and the plants love it.
CO2, IMO the most money safe way is to use a fire extinguisher and get it re-filled, you need to aim for 25-30PPM CO2 for optimum plant growth

 

[PRW1988]

I use First layer, it's like a gravel, but nutrient enriched. I've never really use CO2, so I can't really reccommend anything there.

 

[tropicalwaters]

thanks..shanghi a fire extinguisher? can you explain further please- would this be hooked up to the tank ( confused) thanks

 

[charlie4486]

I use eco complete, but after coming upon flourite black sand i thinkg that is what i am going to use from now on. plants can grow in any finer substrate. getting a nutrient rich substrate won't last long and you will still have to dose and so on. So get something you like the look of over anything else.

 

[Biulu]

I have Floredepot from Sera under sand. As being said before, substrate will wear out after a while, so get what you want, have your plants established and start adding fertiliser.

 

[BigC]

Use fine gravel, not pea as it is too open for plants and not sand as it compacts tightly around the root system.
Make up enough unwashed fine gravel mixed with a readily available laterite compound such as the one below to cover the base of your tank to a depth of around 35mm. Then cover this with a 25mm layer of well washed fine gravel.

This will give you the basis of a good plant growing medium,
As for CO2, IMO its much better to go with a full blown pressurised system rather than mess about with DIY sugar based plastic bottles.
Regards
BigC