Help Regarding New Planted Tank Substrate

Phantom_ws

New Member
Jul 15, 2020
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Pakistan
Hello;

I have never kept a planted tank before but they always inspired me a lot. The main reason of it the availability of resources. Some mandatory things required for good planted tanks (as i've read on multiple forums) are not easily available in my country. Now, cutting the long story short, I'm planning to setup a planted tank and is in dire need of your expert opinions.

I have an approx. 50~55g (Width 38 x Depth 18 x Height 22 inches) slightly curved from front fish tank. I'm thinking of using following as a substrate. 1 ~ 1.5 inch of vermicompost capped by 1 ~ 1.5 inch of sugar sized black sand.

I'll be using following plants;
Vallisneria (Spiral is preferred but simple will also be fine)
Dwarf Sagittaria
Hygrophilia Sunset & Ludwigia Repens (Need suggestion / recommendation about these)
Water Wisteria or Guppy grass.

Now, the main reason of selecting these plants & substrate is the availability issue. I can do whatever is suggested, keeping in view the limitations of availability.

I can do "Dry start method".
Can cycle tank for weeks or even months without fish.
I will not disturb plants once rooted.
Will follow any other precautions as suggested.

Will it work ??
 

James Myers

New Member
Jun 7, 2020
9
1
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54
Texas
First, what do you have available for fertilizer? Second, what will you be using for substrate? The plants you have picked are good although val and wisteria can be a little fussy. I would cycle for a minimum of 30 days and monitor all levels. You could probably add snails after 3 weeks. Again a lot depends on what you have available.

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Phantom_ws

New Member
Jul 15, 2020
4
0
1
39
Pakistan
Thanks for the reply.
First, what do you have available for fertilizer?
Thinking of no fetrz tank but have a source as backup which can provide seachem products in very limited quantity & a much higher price.

Second, what will you be using for substrate?
I'm thinking of using following as a substrate. 1 ~ 1.5 inch of vermicompost (Worm castings)t capped by 1 ~ 1.5 inch of sugar sized black sand.
 

James Myers

New Member
Jun 7, 2020
9
1
3
54
Texas
Vermiculite tends to float. Any good garden soil made from natural ingredients will work. The sand will be a great cap. Pre treating the soil with Osmocote will work if you have that available.

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James Myers

New Member
Jun 7, 2020
9
1
3
54
Texas
For a 20 gallon I used 8 capsules. I ground it up and mixed with the soil. For a 30 gallon maybe 12.

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