I am really excited bc I have some HC on the way and I want to make sure everything is right. I have been doing some reading and it seems as though HC needs lighter finer gravel with lots of nutrients to grow well.
I currently have seachem red flourite gravel (at least I think thats what it is, I bought the gravel many years ago) and I am wondering whether this will not be too course?
How deep should my gravel be for HC? Should I add some clay or soil with the gravel?
I grew a good carpet of hc with fluorite, however it does take the roots longer to anchor in the substrate than say sand. If you are starting it dry then you will be ok but in an already established tank it's a PITA !
I also found when it comes to trimming it can be a little frustrating due to the lumpy substrate .
Where I am planning on planting the HC the fluorite is pretty shallow, I could easily add some sand to the area right on top of the fluorite... could that be an easy fix?
The flourite will eventually work its way up and the sand being so much finer will sink under the flourite. There is an eco complete black fine that works good .
I had great result with Flourite Black and HC Cuba. I think the bigger grain size of Flourite Red might pose some problems getting it to properly root, but it can be done.
I think I will pick up some smaller grained gravel tomorrow. I have been reading that it is better to grow HC in a biologically active medium that is also fortified with nutrients. As far as I know the fluorite is just inert gravel isn't it? Should I be adding anything?
no problem i am also trying to carpet hc but in eco complete and every time i gravel vac no matter how gentle i am i either suck up a chunk or get a floater lol
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.6K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!