Sand or Gravel?

eddtango

Prolific Poster
May 20, 2005
59
0
6
What is the ideal substrate for a Planted tank, sand or gravel? Is Silica sand good for plants than ordinary gravel? How do sand or gravel compare to Florabase or Eco-complete?
 

reiverix

Lifetime Members
Lifetime Member
Jan 29, 2005
270
3
16
generally, nutrient-less substrate is better suited for decorative purposes, and the main substrate in which plants will be planted will ideally be something like aqua soil. There are of course other planting substrates, and methods of turning other nutrient rich products (dirt, kitty litter, etc.) into substrates though it may take some preparation. I'm not that smart so I just use aqua soil. :p
 

VaughnH

Lifetime Charter Member
Lifetime Member
Jan 24, 2005
3,011
97
48
88
Sacramento, CA
No question, you can grow aquatic plants in plain quartz sand, if the particle size is not too small. You can rely upon water column fertilizing totally. That doesn't mean that quartz sand is better than, as good as, or worse than expensive substrates. It is just one option. Some plants will do much better in the more expensive substrates, but there are a lot of very nice plants that won't care much what substrate you use.