Substrate for plants?

[cichlid_tank619]

I am planing on doing a patio pond, above ground, pond. It's going to be a lined box (est 80gal).

Question is, should I treat it as a planted tank and use soil and clay in the bottom? Will plants befit with our the soil? I have seen ponds with pots of dirt in them, but I'm trying to save as much space as I can for fish.

 

[Natetrix]

Just put sand or gravel on the bottom. Pool filter sand looks cool and it would match the wood pattern pretty well IMO

 

[Natetrix]

Pots of dirt are gonna make a huge mess.go with rock wool cubes in a plant basket or something

 

[cichlid_tank619]

But there is no nutrient in just rock or sand.. I could use a liquid fert.. Maybe if I get plants I'll get them potters a leave them in the pot or basket.

 

[paytertot]

The nutrients in special substrates run out anyways and end up just being expensive sand basically. Just get regular sand (i prefer it over gravel any day) and use whatever fert system you prefer