the requirements of substrate

07-01-2007, 03:13 AM

Hi..
i would like to know..for a new tank what are the requirements of substrate we need to add for a planted tank.

07-01-2007, 03:15 AM

Base ferts + lapis gravel will do the job. If got money to spare. Can go for ADA Aquasoil. These do not necessary need base ferts. The gravel itself it sufficient to support plant life.

07-01-2007, 03:39 AM

wat about the medications to pour on a new tank?

07-01-2007, 05:59 PM

Medications? Why would you need medications for a new tank? I think you mean liquid fertilizers right?

There are many liquid fertilizers around in the market, i am using Ferka and Dr. Mallicks. There are others like ADA, sera, nutrafin etc...

07-01-2007, 06:14 PM

I personally dont like base fert as it create too much mess when pulling out plant from tank during rescape. Prefer to use root monster instead. Adding liquid fert, powder nitrate & phosphate to the water column.

07-01-2007, 06:42 PM

If u consantly pull up plant, it will get real messy.

07-01-2007, 06:43 PM

Go to this webby to find out about planted tanks in general:

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/articl...ges/index.html

Good thing about base fert is that it acts as a backup for rooting plants should the nutrients be insufficient in meeting the demands of the flora.

For the liquid fert, try to get a range that covers N, P, K and traces. (Products of Seachem and Dr Mallick's come to mind)

-Calvin

07-01-2007, 07:04 PM

If u need backup fert in the substrate, there is some slow releasing "pills" from Azoo. Maybe can consider.

07-01-2007, 07:46 PM

Agree with Calvin. With just root monsters. I am afraid you may be limiting the variety of plants you can keep.

With base ferts, you can choose to go high tech anytime. You are not restricted to a low maintenance planted aquarium. Most of us use root monsters as a back up to supplement the base ferts. For example, in my tank with base ferts, i stick a root monster near to my tiger lotus to make it propagate more leaves.

Do not worry about rescaping and causing a mess in the tank. In the event you create a big mess after a rescape, large and frequent water changes will solve the milky/chalky water in no time. Have fun with this hobby!

08-01-2007, 02:02 AM

thanks for the knowledge guys

07-01-2007, 03:13 AM	#1
skar'3 Guest Posts: n/a	the requirements of substrate Hi.. i would like to know..for a new tank what are the requirements of substrate we need to add for a planted tank.

07-01-2007, 03:15 AM	#2
genes Guest Posts: n/a	Base ferts + lapis gravel will do the job. If got money to spare. Can go for ADA Aquasoil. These do not necessary need base ferts. The gravel itself it sufficient to support plant life.

07-01-2007, 03:39 AM	#3
skar'3 Guest Posts: n/a	wat about the medications to pour on a new tank?

07-01-2007, 05:59 PM	#4
genes Guest Posts: n/a	Medications? Why would you need medications for a new tank? I think you mean liquid fertilizers right? There are many liquid fertilizers around in the market, i am using Ferka and Dr. Mallicks. There are others like ADA, sera, nutrafin etc...

07-01-2007, 06:14 PM	#5
moss_guy Guest Posts: n/a	I personally dont like base fert as it create too much mess when pulling out plant from tank during rescape. Prefer to use root monster instead. Adding liquid fert, powder nitrate & phosphate to the water column.

07-01-2007, 06:42 PM	#6
binbeto Guest Posts: n/a	If u consantly pull up plant, it will get real messy.

07-01-2007, 06:43 PM	#7
the_r0ck Guest Posts: n/a	Go to this webby to find out about planted tanks in general: http://www.aquatic-plants.org/articl...ges/index.html Good thing about base fert is that it acts as a backup for rooting plants should the nutrients be insufficient in meeting the demands of the flora. For the liquid fert, try to get a range that covers N, P, K and traces. (Products of Seachem and Dr Mallick's come to mind) -Calvin

07-01-2007, 07:04 PM	#8
binbeto Guest Posts: n/a	If u need backup fert in the substrate, there is some slow releasing "pills" from Azoo. Maybe can consider.

07-01-2007, 07:46 PM	#9
genes Guest Posts: n/a	Agree with Calvin. With just root monsters. I am afraid you may be limiting the variety of plants you can keep. With base ferts, you can choose to go high tech anytime. You are not restricted to a low maintenance planted aquarium. Most of us use root monsters as a back up to supplement the base ferts. For example, in my tank with base ferts, i stick a root monster near to my tiger lotus to make it propagate more leaves. Do not worry about rescaping and causing a mess in the tank. In the event you create a big mess after a rescape, large and frequent water changes will solve the milky/chalky water in no time. Have fun with this hobby!

08-01-2007, 02:02 AM	#10
skar'3 Guest Posts: n/a	thanks for the knowledge guys

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