Ok, I've decided I want to try plants. I want to get a new tank too! So I need suggestions from what substraight to what tank size would be best. I will probably be using this tank for my betta/ any fry that pop up in my main tanks.
BigJim said:Wide tanks are better for planted tanks. They offer more options when aquascaping. A 40B or a 75g is better than a 55g.
I like sand in my tanks and the plants do fine with it.
adadkins1 said:I agree that dirt tanks are superior if you want to keep some picky plants. Carpeting plants that you mentioned really like a rich substrate and medium to high light. For the soil, the best thing would be Miracle Gro Organic Potting Soil. Demineralize it as mentioned before unless you don't mind algae outbreaks. You can cap with sand.
jetajockey said:Its mineralizing and its basically breaking down the organics in the soil prior to adding it to the tank. It helps negate ammonia spikes and algae blooms related to adding straight soil.
Another benefit to the mineralized soil method is the additional ingredients that help make a more complete substrate.
The downside is that it requires much more prep work.