Dennerle substrates for nano shrimp tanks

[HiJaC]

Hi,

This question may fall a little on unknowing eyes as most of you guys are based in the US but have any of you had any experience with the german manufacturers Dennerle and their substrate systems?

I've just picked myself up a really cute 10L nano with complete fittings and am musing about using their supplied substrate.

From what i can tell Dennerle are the german version of say tropica and ADA for plants and tanks but have launched this range of shrimp tanks with full nano fittings. There is a feature you can google in practical fishkeeping with a video if you need a closer look at what ive got.

The substrate is supplied in two backs. One "Nano Garnelenkies" or gravel for shrimps for us none german speakers which goes on top of the "Nano DeponitMix" which is the mineral rich stuff.

The over gravel is very fine and rounded so ideal for shrimp to pick along.

I've got plenty of space small grained eco i could use instead but am wondering if i should just use this very specialised stuff instead.

My main issue is that i'm wanting to use my HC in this tank but i'm not sure that the roots would get down deep enough to use the minerial rich part. The top layer doesnt indicate that it is any use for nuterients at all.

I am right in assuming HC loves the minerial rich substrate?

Anyone used this stuff?

Google isnt helping me at all...

Thanks,

John

 

[travis simonson]

I don't have any experience with Dennerle's product line but I can tell you that HC does best in fine-grained substrates. Even inert sand works well for HC as long as you provide the water column with the proper nutrient levels/CO2/etc. Mineral rich substrates are not a requirement for HC and in some cases may be counterproductive if their mineral content causes them to be basic/alkaline.

Good luck and let us know how it goes