Substrate filler

[DuoofDeath1]

I am setting up a little 7g nano cube that will be planted. Right now I have a single 3L bag of ADA aqua-soil and I am thinking that won't be enough to give me enough depth especially in the back of the tank. Really don't want to buy another bag because I can't get it local so I'll have to wait another week for that to get to me and I think I'll only need like half of the additional bag.


My question is this. Thoughts on something I could add to the rear of the tank to give me depth and still make it suitable for a few stem plants? I have seen a video somewhere that showed a guy using a media bag full of crushed lava rock to add height to a scape without buying a ton more expensive substrate. Or should I just stop being cheap and impatient and just buy the additional bag?

[libertybelle]

What kind of plants do you want back there?

[SaraB]

I usually add height with aquarium gravel. You can put the soil on top of it.

[DuoofDeath1]

Originally Posted by SaraB

I usually add height with aquarium gravel. You can put the soil on top of it.

That's kind of what i was thinking but i wasn't sure if the aquasoil and the gravel would start mixing or if the aquasoil would end up at the bottom if i tried to replant it once or twice. What would be your thoughts on using black sand? Or do you think that will just kick up too much?

[DuoofDeath1]

Originally Posted by libertybelle

What kind of plants do you want back there?

At this point, not entirely sure. Ideally anything my light and tank will allow so i have options. I have a Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Clip light and don't plan on running CO2. I like Ludwigia repens reds but they may be a little too tall for the tank to even start with. The tank is a 12x12x12 cube and then i'll need atleast 2 inches of substrate.

[SaraB]

I use sand so I can't say for sure if your first will sink into it. Gravel comes in various sizes so you may find one small enough for your needs.