What Fertiliser

[bigmick474]

i currently have a 40 gallon tank which is doing a fisless cycle.
it has no plants as yet.
is there any thing i should add to the sand substrate before adding plants?
when plant are added what fertiliser should i use.
so far the only plant i know i want to have are dwarf hairgrass and amazon sword.
Thanks

 

[Dubby]

I prefer to provide a layer of clay/soil below the sand. I also mix vermiculite in the clay. You could use laterite or flourite as well. This layer gives a better source of nutrients for plants.

 

[bigmick474]

if i buy laterite, how do i add it. do i have to remove the subtrate?

 

[Bloo]

As I understand, laterite goes underneath the gravel.

By the way:

 

[Griz]

You can grow plants in a simple sand substrate but it would be wise to add something under that such as laterite. In my tank I used a clay soil mixed with a vermiculite and a bit of peat. I've seen a lot of advice that soil should not be used but I've had good results and no problems since last October.

There are 2 basic types of fertilizer: liquid and tablets. Amazon sword is a good example of a plant that feeds heavily and tablets should be used with them. I also add a bit of liquid fertilizer after a water change.