Substrate Gravel Or Sand?

[tropicaltone]

Hi Everyone,

There seems to be some conflicting information about gravel and sand as good substrate for planted tanks (Theres arguements for both). I am planning to have either 1-3mm Gravel as top layer and Laterite or JBL Aquabasis plus as the bottom layer. Would sand as a top layer be better or worse than gravel?? I was thinking of using either Play Sand or Silver Sand. Your thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks

Tropicaltone

 

[Dave Spencer]

I chose sand because:

A) My favourite fish, Corydoras, prefer sand.

B) I prefer the look of it.

I have also found it very easy to plant in. I use API Laterite beneath mine.

If you decide to use sand get it from Argos

 

[Themuleous]

I think it really comes down to personal choice. As you say there are arguments for both and both have been used with good results in the past. One thing to remember though especially if you are using a base layer plant substrate, is that this and whatever you put over the top will inevitably mix over time. This will make the sand look stupid IMHO, gravel hides it better. A small point, but worth thinking about

Sam

 

[tropicaltone]

Thanks your probably right about the sand Sam, When its freshly put in the tank it looks great but I bet over time I will not be easy to maintain looking good. I will probably opt for 3mm Dorset gravel how much do you think I will need for a 2" layer in a tank L48"xH18"xW15" (213ltr)? With a 1" bottom layer of Laterite or JBL Aquabasis (can anyone think of any other good affordable Plant Substrate for the bottom layer?)

Tropicaltone

 

[Themuleous]

Based on some very quick calculations, I make it around 24lts of gravel to get a 2" layer.

As for other substrates, there is the tropica one, of which you would need 5lt according to the tropica guide, which would cost £22.99 plus P+P from aquaessentials.co.uk.

Sam

 

[Andrew Tan]

As for other substrates, there is the tropica one, of which you would need 5lt according to the tropica guide, which would cost £22.99 plus P+P from aquaessentials.co.uk.

Sam

I'm waiting for some of the Tropica substrate to be delivered and will be using gravel over it. I thought about sand, but as Sam says it's likely to get mixed up more over time.

A.

 

[gsta13]

Is there anyway of stopping the substrate mixing? i was also wondering will ferts replace the needed minerals that the substrate will provide, as i have sand ready to go and really want to get started as soon as possible!
Greg

 

[Themuleous]

Not that I know of, if you put any sort of plastic between the two it'd stop the plant roots getting to the nutrient rich substrate. Guess you could try a mesh but never hear of anyone doing with.

Yes you can have excellent plant growth without a plant substrate, JamesC has just sand and his tank is full of healthy plants. The only things with this is that you have to maintain a high level of water column ferts, which I would have thought would be a tricky balance in non-EI tanks, but worth a try.

Sam