Thinking Of Changing From Gravel To Planted

[riksworld]

Hope this is the right section of the forum, im currently thinking of having a planted tank but not sure on how to start, so im hoping some kind people can point me in the right direction.

i currently have just gravel with some plants in some small pots, do i have to remove the gravel and replace this with soil, i know it might sound a daft question, but im not 100% sure

the tank is around 180litres with 2 x 35w lights, would this be enough for a plotted tank?

Can i use any plants, such as a local fish centre?

Is it worth it?

Im sure there will be more question as I try this idea out, so please bear with me

 

[aaronnorth]

You can have inert gravel but the heavier root feeding plants like echindorous and cryptocorynes might struggle unless you dose root tabs, if you are looking to add a nutrient rich substarte then here are your chioces:

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...x&cPath=220

aqua soil is the best, eco complete is also good. For a cheaper substrate, use the tetra plant, i have found it to be the cheapest here:

http/www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk/tetrap...58kg-1055-p.asp

You have enough light to grow quite a few species, here is an easy plants list:
http/www.fishforums.net/content-page/226...ination/page/0/

use plants from fish shops, dont buy plants with white on them or the really stiff ones that stand upright with a few exceptions like amazon swords.

you will need to dose a fert, dont use nutrafin plant gro, it did nothing for me, dose this once a week according t the instructions, dosing daily or every other day is better.

It is definatley woth it, it will bring out the fishes colour aswell as providing them witrh a natural habitat and it also keep the water parametres in check by using ammonia and nitrate.