can't decide what substrate i should go with for my 75g planted tank.

[philipraposo198]

i plan to have it fully planted and aquascaped

i will keep
2 x rams
12 x rmt
6-8 oto cats
24-40 x rcs

what do you guys suggest for substrate?

i don't want to spend 20+ a bag either. cheaper is better.

can i just do pure black blasting sand or does it have to be something more fancy?

 

[philipraposo198]

To add to my first post, I am scared of using the mgopm because of people having issues with anaerobic conditions. I really don't want to deal with such a thing in my first ever tank.

I don't really mind the idea of sand, my concern with this is simple whether my plants can grow in something with no nutritional value. I obviously could supplement it but isn't that a huge pita?

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[Huro]

The PPS-Pro system isn't so bad and would help with your substrate ideas, here is a link were you can look it over and see if it is for you. If you decide you like the system you can usually find fert packages to help take out the guess work such as the second link. Hope this helps
https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/pps-pro

PPS-Pro | Aquarium Fertilizer | Green Leaf Aquariums

 

[Chief910]

I used pool filter sand thoroughly washed only cost about $10-15

 

[AtHomeWithTwins]

+1 for pool filter sand. It was $10 for 50 lbs and that gave me about 2" in my 55 gallon. Its a light tan color that looks great under the lights. Definitely a larger grain size than play size. Easy to clean too, 5 mins in a bucket w hose.

 

[Chief910]

Exactly and like you said looks great under light and assists with roots

 

[Huong]

It doesn't matter what substrate you used is what is in the substrates that will help your planted tank.

 

[ckalisz]

I just started my first planted 55g and used black diamond. When I had my hygro in regular gravel the roots just kind of floated around. Within two days of being in the sand they shot right down into it. I also have a sword that put on three new leaves last week. Low tech tank

 

[Luananeko]

If you're concerned about nutritional supplements with sand, there are a couple things you can do (either one or both):
1) Bury root tabs every few inches in the substrate, with extras grouped in areas you expect to have heavy root feeders such as swords or lotuses.
2) Add a thin layer of a plant food substrate (eco-complete, layerite, etc) to the tank and then cover it with sand until you're at the depth you'd like.

Regardless what you do, having at least 3" of substrate makes it worlds easier to keep roots buried even after the rams go around excavating

 

[philipraposo198]

I have decided to use safe t sorb for my substrate

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