Why To Use Substrate And How Often To Replace?

[locust267]

I'm looking to make a lovely natural scene in my 260l, haven't really got a clue yet with regards what to put in there and how to go about it.

I should imagine I would want a plant substrate of some sort to go under the gravel - What exactly does this do and would you ever need to replace it?

What is a good brand to use if you are in the UK?

 

[aaronnorth]

Substrates provide nutrients to the plants roots to improve growth, some plants feed more heavily than others so therefore it is quite important, also if you miss a dose in the water column then the substrate will be able to take some tolerance. You wont need to replace it for a long time but root tabs can be added if you wish after a few years (most tanks dont last that long before they are changed).

The best brand by far is the ADA aquasoil, it is costly but well worth it.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...c4ufaucjb6q7p67

another good substrate is eco-complete

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=190

Also tropica

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...=20a&page=2

slightly cheaper and not as good but better than nothing is the tetra plant

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

 

[saintly]

yup! i'll secand that. ada all the way!

 

[locust267]

Hey thanks for the info, have added it to my little booklet of things to consider.

How much substrate would I need for a 260l tank - Is there a formula to work it out?

Cheers

 

[saintly]

with ada its usualy 1 9L bag per 60 litres.

you would need at least 4 bags @ 9L and maybe another 3L bag.
at least 9L of power sand. (i used 13 or so on 300l) so maybe a little more

aqua essentials stock everything you need. just remember to sit down before you look at the final price it's expensive gear but well worth the price.

 

[locust267]

Sorry, stupid question but what is power sand?

Is that something used instead of gravel or that goes between the substrate and gravel?

I'll have a look at prices and see what I can afford.

I'm not really sure what plants I'm having yet - Dont think I'll plant the tank too heavily but would like a good variety of fairly easy to keep plants with maybe a few harder ones if they look nice, is the substrate really essential in your opinion regardless of what plants and how many you have?

 

[saintly]

hi,

power sand is probably your main source of nutrients with the ada range.

powersand special qoute from ada

"Power Sand Special is the substrate material with more minerals and nutrients. This is appropriate for Echinodorus or Cryptocoryne absorbing nutrients from its roots. It works with bacteria inside the substrate, and offer charcoal powder to the bacteria as a food, and creates living substrate."

its your base layer, before anything else. take a look at my thread in the journals section...saintlys iwagumi part 2.

 

[locust267]

One other thing - Although you say the substrate lasts ages what are the tell tell signs that it needs to be changed?

 

[MoondustBob]

I wouldn't bother with the Power Sand - the Aqua Soil will provide everything your plant roots will need.

Whatever route you take though, you will need to dose the water with NPK and Trace - most aquatic plants are leaf feeders afterall.

http/www.ukaps.org/EI.htm