Laterite

[spartoecus]

I just ordered some online. I've got regular gravel in there but i'm planning on removing a majority of it(it's purple), using a little bit to mix with aquasoil for a good base, then put my laterite on top of that. In the small area i plan on not having planted i purchased a new gravel(tan/black/brown).

Any suggestions or warnings?
Am i about to do something stupid?

 

[mgamer20o0]

aquasoil needs to be cycled it shoots off ammonia.

 

[Robert H]

Laterite needs to be buried underneath the substrate, not on top of it. Laterite is not gravel, it is a type of soil that like clay is very high in iron. It is usually sold as a powder, although Aquarium pharms First Layer Pure Laterite can be a little chunky. If its not buried, it will cloud your water and leave a layer of silt covering your plants.

Laterite is used for its iron content and the fact it has good cation exchange capacity. It is not usually used in conjuction with ADA products. It sounds like you want clay gravel, not laterite.