Sand substrate

[hotrodprincess]

I am thinking of rescaping our tank when we move it this week. I would like to add more plants. Right now I have a black sand substrate. Will this be ok. We mostly have moss right now so it hasent been an issue. We do have some dwarf hair grass but its not growing much. Would I be ok just using root tabs? Or do I need to do something more I dont want to spend a bunch on substrate id rather spend it on plants. So if what iv got will work id like to keep it.
Its a 10gal low tec tank

[AirstoND]

Might want to go 50/50 Quart sand/Eco complete

Are black sand grains 1.5-2mm?

[Hoppy]

Not all black sands are equivalent. If you have Flourite Black Sand, you have a good substrate, with good CEC. If you have a tiny particle, or play sand type black sand, it might not be too good. Black Diamond blasting grit is black sand, and is good, but inert with no CEC. What do you have?

[hotrodprincess]

Im cant remember what brand it is I got it at the petstore it was like 4$ a bag so it wasent crazy expensive.

[Lonestarbandit]

Pool filter sand from Home Depot in example works nicely for me. Use or have used it in all my tanks.
3 55 gallons and a 25 gallon shrimp tank.
Just wash thoroughly before use. 50 pounds for 5 bucks you wont beat that with a hammer.
Plants seem to do great in it. Right before I killed them all treating Ich with heat and salt..... salt.... fool that I was no more plants.

[DogFish]

You could add dirt under your sand in a 10gl tank 1" of dirt & 1 " of sand on top as a "Cap".

Read the threads on Miracle Grow Organic Potting soil.

[Absntmind]

I would bet money the sand you have now will do fine for plants.

Almost any sand works great, play sand included. Just put in some root tabs once every month to month and a half for a bit, then stop and let the plants tell you when it is needed. I would also suggest adding some MTS.

There are many low tech tanks flourishing doing such.

So in short if you like the look of what you have now, chances are it should be fine so no reason to change. Just research the plants before purchasing them and know their needs (above/below substrate, heavy feeders, do better in shade, etc).
Good luck!

[amberoze]

Originally Posted by DogFish

You could add dirt under your sand in a 10gl tank 1" of dirt & 1 " of sand on top as a "Cap".

Read the threads on Miracle Grow Organic Potting soil.

+1

I'd strip the sand out, lay down an inch of miracle gro, then adds the sand on top.

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[hotrodprincess]

Originally Posted by amberoze

+1

I'd strip the sand out, lay down an inch of miracle gro, then adds the sand on top.

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How do you care for it. ? Is their anything special you have to do to it. Which color bag they have three different miracle gro organics at our homedepo.

[amberoze]

Either the potting soil or garden soil... Nothing that says "mix" on it. Care...minimal. No gravel vac, I just wiggle the siphon hose above the substrate close enough to stir up the detrius withough disturbing the sand.

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[hotrodprincess]

Originally Posted by amberoze

Either the potting soil or garden soil... Nothing that says "mix" on it. Care...minimal. No gravel vac, I just wiggle the siphon hose above the substrate close enough to stir up the detrius withough disturbing the sand.

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Do you have to have snails? If so is their one that can do the job with out multiplying on their own

[amberoze]

Originally Posted by hotrodprincess

Do you have to have snails? If so is their one that can do the job with out multiplying on their own

Snails aren't necessary at all. I don't know much about snails, so couldn't give you a specific breed.

Shrimp might be an option. Amano shrimp might work.

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