New planted tank substrate.

[MandyINCo]

I am thinking of using dirt or sand with gravel mixed in as a substrate for my new 30gal tall tank. I am a complete newbie with plants, and all the articles I have read say that dirt is for a more experienced aquarist. I was thinking of dry sprouting all the plants for a couple months, and then flooding the tank. I want some fine grass for ground cover, and some corkscrew vals in the background. And some other type of short leafy plant in the rock build and driftwood. I have a vision, I just dont know how best to execute it. Any advice would be helpful thanks!!

 

[Coursair]

I am thinking of using dirt or sand with gravel mixed in as a substrate for my new 30gal tall tank. I am a complete newbie with plants, and all the articles I have read say that dirt is for a more experienced aquarist. I was thinking of dry sprouting all the plants for a couple months, and then flooding the tank. I want some fine grass for ground cover, and some corkscrew vals in the background. And some other type of short leafy plant in the rock build and driftwood. I have a vision, I just dont know how best to execute it. Any advice would be helpful thanks!!

If you use dirt you'll need to cap it ( not mix it) with sand or gravel. If you plan to move plants around, it will get messy.
Google Walstad Method and Natural Planted Tanks.

I use just sand and add root tabs. Easier for me.

Google emersed tanks for that method.

Most carpet foreground plants need high light/Co2/Ferts. Crypt parva is easier but slow growing AFAIK.

A tall tank is trickier to get the lighting right.

 

[FishGeek97]

I'd say san too, it will work better than dirt, or gravel. sand is much,much cleaner, and won't make your tank look brown and murky