Plant substrate

[ma_clement]

Hi all

So I have flourite as a substrate in my 20gal and after a few weeks, I can now say I hate it

1. It still produces a ridiculous amount of dust, even if I rinsed it, and my plants are full of dust

2. The grain is way too big, my small plants can't settle down, even if they have a lot of roots so I keep on replanting floaters

My question is that, considering I want to keep the flourite for it's nourishing value to my plants, can I just put a layer of some sand over it, or should I mix it with some small(er) grain gravel (or other plant susbtrate)

My preference would be to put a layer of some sand over it, only for aesthetic considerations, but I guess there may be some other factors to consider

[fischkopp]

I presume you got the coarse version? Flourite comes as sand, medium and coarse. Personally, I find the medium size worked best for me. I didn't rinse it as that flushes out a lot of nutrient. This is usually not a problem if you don't agitate the substrate too much. That happens only when moving plants around. Never gravel vac! It's never been a problem for me.

I am not a fan of mixing. Different size gravel will eventually create layers, leaving finer gravel on the bottom, and coarser pieces on the top. Sand itself is a bit of a dangerous choice as it tend to compact over time. This could cause anaerobic zones in the substrate that can become harmful for your fish.

I would change the substrate, or stick to plants with strong root system that can tolerate coarser gravel. Crypts, anubias or smaller swords/sags for example.

[exv152]

To echo fischkopf, I too find the finer sand will always settle under the larger grains, so the initial aesthetic appeal won't last.

[ma_clement]

ok so mixing, bad idea. I understand why. Guess I'd just stick to plants with bigger roots and wait untill I upgrade to a bigger tank

thank you

[wolfiewill]

I use fluorite on the bottom (~1") and a lighter higher nutrient value substrate on top. I have Fluval Substratum in two tanks and ADA Africana in two others. It's a very good combo 'cause the fluorite provides iron and won't allow the carpet plants to float, and the designer top layer provides a light layer for the small roots to get started. And one important thing to note is that the root length of the carpet plants are much longer in the Fluorite/designer soil mix than I have found ever found with Fluorite alone. Also, I have been using Fluorite for fifteen years or so, and am a big fan. Whether rinsed or not, it's a good all purpose inert substrate. It is dusty, but a day or two, after rinsing, should, with good filtration, be very clear. On one occasion I tried to set up a tank without rinsing. Big mistake!!!! It took a couple of months to clear with 50% water changes each week. However, that tank has been running now for years without any problems...... As long as I don't stir it up.