Need help

[Foch29]

I don't know what to do right now. I have a 15 gallons tank. I want to plant it with some green and some red plants. After the fishless cycling I will add some guppys and some shrimp.
First problem: I have read on a random site that the fertilized substrate or the liquid fertilizer for the plants are poisonous for the shrimps... I don't think it's true but I wanna be sure. Could I grow plants in only inert substrate like sand? 2 problem: I have read that when I do the water change I should siphon the bottom of the tank to remove fish waste. I would like to use some black sand on the top with a fertilized substrate for plants under it. When I use the siphon wouldn't it suck both sand and the substrate mixing it in an orrible to texture and exposing the substrate?

 

[ZxC]

Easiest way and cheapest way to "fix" these problems would be to use a black sand such as Black Diamond Blasting Sand (or any other black - aquarium specific sand... but more $$ than blasting sand).

Rinse it really well, and you are set.

Plants will grow very well in an inert substrate. Fertilize the water column with a simple all in one fertilier such as thrive (use thrive S for shrimp) and you are set.

I'll attach a picture of a tank using inert substrate and water column dosing only. No need for a nutrient rich substrate unless you are doing a walstad "style" tank.

 

[ZxC]

Easiest way and cheapest way to "fix" these problems would be to use a black sand such as Black Diamond Blasting Sand (or any other black - aquarium specific sand... but more $$ than blasting sand).

Rinse it really well, and you are set.

Plants will grow very well in an inert substrate. Fertilize the water column with a simple all in one fertilier such as thrive (use thrive S for shrimp) and you are set.

I'll attach a picture of a tank using inert substrate and water column dosing only. No need for a nutrient rich substrate unless you are doing a walstad "style" tank.

 

[Mulch05]

I don't use ferts ect my fish seam to make my plants grow sufficiently enough and never hand issues. I don't like using co2 or ferts but each to there own

 

[goatnad]

Easiest way and cheapest way to "fix" these problems would be to use a black sand such as Black Diamond Blasting Sand (or any other black - aquarium specific sand... but more $$ than blasting sand).

Rinse it really well, and you are set.

Plants will grow very well in an inert substrate. Fertilize the water column with a simple all in one fertilier such as thrive (use thrive S for shrimp) and you are set.

I'll attach a picture of a tank using inert substrate and water column dosing only. No need for a nutrient rich substrate unless you are doing a walstad "style" tank.

Beautiful tank