Which Substrate?

[Rob5]

I am considering stripping my 200 litre tank down cleaning it and adding a plant substrate
 
I have 2 questions
 
(1) Which is the best substrate and reasonably priced
 
(2) Is it possible to put sand on top of substrate as i have Panda Cories
 
Any help will be appreciated

 

[orangegecko]

If you are considering sand, you can use play sand or pool filter sand.  They are probably the cheapest compared to what the LFS would sell.  Whichever you use, rinse it and when you think you are done, rinse it again.
 
Not sure on the 2nd question.  I wouldn't think so, but I would let someone with more experience answer to be sure... 
 
Also, it might be helpful if you know which plants you wanted to use and put that in your post so people could answer your question better.

 

[sawickib]

Yes you can use plant substrate on the bottom and top it off with sand, as said some cheap sand is play and pool filter sand, the plant roots should keep the gravel from impacting. 

 

[Ch4rlie]

This help you decide what kind of substrate you would like to use, very useful information.
 
http/www.ukaps.org/index.php?page=guide-to-substrates
 
Then you can have a look online for prices and where to find them etc.

 

[mikka23]

Since I'm on a tight budget I'm going to go for a soil substrate - not sure if that interests you.  There is a guide on the same forum posted above.
 
As for #2 I'm going to use some fine mesh to separate as mentioned in the guide.  Hopefully that prevents the two layers mixing together too much.

 

[Rob5]

Thanks for that guys
 
Thanks for that link Ch4rlie, that is extremely helpful

 

[eduller]

Oh man, using mesh is genius. I never thought of that. Think vinyl window screening would work? Cheap and easy to cut to size!

 

[Rob5]

Mesh sounds a good idea
 
Where would i buy it in the UK?

 

[mikka23]

This is the stuff recommended in the guide thing - http/www.amazon.co.uk/Greenhouse-Shading-5m-x-6m/dp/B001P3SPIU

 

[Rob5]

Cheers mikka23 will order some very soon