Tetratec Complete Substrate

[ShoC]

Maybe people here say how they lay gravel on top Can't i just use this and only this without gravel will look more natural...?

 

[nry]

Probably - but most of these substrates that are supposed to go beneath gravel tend to make a right mess is disturbed and more so when they are not covered.

 

[ShoC]

Your not wrong.
Its making a huge mess. I just don't fancy putting in gravel as it will all mix up.
I'm wondering if I add normal sand will it help.. (may mix but still look normal)

 

[nry]

I have the similar JBL AquaBasis Plus beneath normal pea gravel - in 14 months it has not mixed.

 

[ShoC]

depends how often you change your mind about plant etc.. =)
do you think normal sand will reduce the mess and mix in and look normal..

 

[nry]

Trust me - in 14 months I have changed my mind about an awful lot of plants and have been through 5+ different plant layouts and aquascapes! Trying to count how many plants have changed, moved, been added etc etc is not even worth debating!

 

[ShoC]

so you think its worth sticking with the gravel?

 

[DevUK]

Top it off with something you want as changing it later on will be a nightmare (considering this myself at the moment). Check out some of the Hagen natural sand range. I'm thinking of switching to Hagen black river sand.

 

[ShoC]

I currently have Black fine gravel on standby,
I know i'll find it annoying cleaning sand. compared to gravel but piece of hose with some tights over it and care and I'll have no problem I think..

 

[Underwurlde]

When you say 'gravel' - what are you thinking of, what average size?

 

[ShoC]

the gravel I have is of a small size.
but sand looks much nicer but is hell messy... and unforgiving if I move stuff when its set down!!
So I believe..

 

[Underwurlde]

I think the preffered 'gravel' size is almost sand-like, i.e. 2-3mm grain size (diameter).

Andy

 

[ShoC]

oh yeh smaller is better,
but do you think mixing the sand with the substrate I bought it a good idea and will it get seriously messy like it is now with just the substrate.
Im going shopping soon so I need to make the decision..

 

[Underwurlde]

I don't think either will get messy, but I think to allow more absorbtion of water column nutrients etc, that the use of small grain gravel is preferred over sand. Nothing wrong with sand however, esp if you keep cories & the such like. Many people uproot plants when replanting a setup. I don't believe this is enitirely necessary - just cut them off leaving the roots behind to rot down & provide further nutrients to the substrate.

Andy

 

[ShoC]

but I think to allow more absorbtion of water column nutrients etc, that the use of small grain gravel is preferred over sand....


eughh now you made more to think about the decision