Is it worth having a plant substrate?

[samiam1292]

Hi,

I've just ordered a 30L wave nano tank, which i plan to use for a nice betta. I'm planning on planting the tank and using the EasyCarbo and Profito i already use on my main tank.

I was thinking though, would it be worth adding some sort of plant substrate as well in a tank this size? As i'd really like this being a nice planted tank.

My idea right now is having a carpet of HC cuba, with some grassy type plants planted amongst a small piece of bogwood, or another type of wood. Simple idea really.

So, is it worth adding a plant substrate?

Thanks,

Sam

[adodds1072]

i would think so, but as you intend to keep plants with shallow roots you wont need to have a deep layer, apart from the nutrient release that encourages rapid growth in the first few weeks it should provide a good growing medium for older growth. and when you add nutrients capsuls it will slow down the release.

do you use ferro as well, i do and get better results for it

[samiam1292]

Originally Posted by adodds1072

i would think so, but as you intend to keep plants with shallow roots you wont need to have a deep layer, apart from the nutrient release that encourages rapid growth in the first few weeks it should provide a good growing medium for older growth. and when you add nutrients capsuls it will slow down the release.

do you use ferro as well, i do and get better results for it

Thanks for your reply

How deep would you recommend i have it? 1 inch?

I've seen ferro on the brochure they send with every purchase. That one adds iron doesn't it? Could be worth a try if i think i could get better growth from my plants after treating with the easycarbo and profito i already have.

And you mentioned nutrient capsules...what are they? I'm thinking grow tabs...

[adodds1072]

yep, you got it.

my plants use a lot of iron, it brings out the reds too

[samiam1292]

Originally Posted by adodds1072

yep, you got it.

my plants use a lot of iron, it brings out the reds too

Thanks for your great help

One last thing if you don't mind...

I was hoping to use Tahitian Moon Sand. Due to heavier/denser items always coming to the surface or staying there. By using that as my substrate, would the planting substrate rise to the top and cause the sand to go underneath?

[adodds1072]

if you trim the roots, or take the leafs off the lower part of the plant stems, and use tweezers to put the plants in as far as possible in your shallow substrate and sand, they should stay put.

i have only had a few stem cuttings and a few vallis come out again and they didnt bring any lower substrate with them.

the planying substrate i use is the jbl stuff, and hasnt moved or come to the surface.

i'll have a look for tahitian moon sand as i ve never heard of it before.

[adodds1072]

i see why youre worried now, i wished i had know about it before, lovely black. will look nice.
mind you most of the sand in my tank is covered now and in a few week i recon i'll not see it at all. totally impresssed with jbl as i am growing stuff now that just died off before.

[samiam1292]

Originally Posted by adodds1072

i see why youre worried now, i wished i had know about it before, lovely black. will look nice.
mind you most of the sand in my tank is covered now and in a few week i recon i'll not see it at all. totally impresssed with jbl as i am growing stuff now that just died off before.

Sounding very good

Glad to hear that the planting substrate shouldn't come to the surface.

I use the tahitian moon sand in my main tank and i love the look of it. Brings out the colours of everything very well. Only found out about it because of this forum. Expensive though...