Substrates for a planted tank

[somecallmedaniel16]

Hello all!

Well I personally don't have any of the special substrates that slowly release nutrients and minerals for plants for a planted tank. I have just plain ol' natural-colored gravel. While I know there are some cheaper alternatives to these substrates like Fluorite, etc, these substrates are quite expensive. So I was wondering, how long do these substrates last before their nutrient-releasing, plant-providing characteristics begin to dwindle?

-Daniel

[mgamer20o0]

no substrate is a complete all and all. there are many out there i am a fan of sms/turface. works just as good just light in weight.

[somecallmedaniel16]

but how long does it last before you have to replace it?

[JustOneMore20]

There is no set range that I know of. The website for it won't tell you either I'm sure. I guess if its been several years and the plants start showing some decline, then you might consider getting new substrate.

[FishEggs]

A lot depends on how much light you give the plants making them grow faster uses more nutrients which depletes the substrate faster. it's not really a big deal since you can add root tabs to sort of recharge the substrate.

[JustOneMore20]

Yep, you could always add root tabs. Also, as long as you are dosing through the water column (aka adding fertilizers) you will be fine.

[mgamer20o0]

there are tanks i havent changed in years. there is no number since many can take ferts from the water then release them.

[convict78]

i have a 12 gal planted tank with no substraight just gravel,i light it about 10 hours a day is that enough or do i need to do something else

[convict78]

i have a 12 gal planted tank with no substrate just gravel,i light it about 10 hours a day is that enough or do i need to do something else?

[mgamer20o0]

substrate just means what ever is on the bottom of the tank. be it gravel or sand its all substrate.

you should make your own thread with the info of your tank. might be fine with out more info its hard to tell.