Is it always necessary to amend the substrate with flourite, laterite, etc.?

[jread]

I have seen many nice-looking planted tanks that just have a regular substrate (nothing special added). I guess this probably works fine for plants that get their nutrients from the water column, but does it work for everything else? Is there a way to just use a regular old substrate without anything fancy? For instance, could I grow crypts, anubias, etc. without any amending the substrate at all?

I am planning to use Oiso Sand in my new tank and would rather not mix it with anything if I don't have to.

[lauraleellbp]

IMO rooted plants do best with a nutrient-containing substrate. IDK anything about that substrate beyond the info on the link you just provided, but it looks inert. I think it could work, but you'll have better results if you at least provide root tabs for the plants like the Crypts.

With Anubias it won't matter since they pull most of their nutrients from the water column.

[jread]

Originally Posted by lauraleellbp

IMO rooted plants do best with a nutrient-containing substrate. IDK anything about that substrate beyond the info on the link you just provided, but it looks inert. I think it could work, but you'll have better results if you at least provide root tabs for the plants like the Crypts.

With Anubias it won't matter since they pull most of their nutrients from the water column.

Hmm... so maybe just stick in some Flourish tabs at the planting sites of any Crypts? I can definitely do that

I'm planning on using the following in the tank:

- Java moss

- Petite Nana

- Ludwigia repens

- Various crypts

- Rotala indica

- Limnophilia sessiliflora (possibly, not certain)


Thanks

[Hoppy]

Almost all plants can get their nutrients from the leaves, including terrestrial plants. Aquatic plants will do very well in inert gravel as a substrate, if the gravel is sized so the plant can be held down and there is room for roots to grow. Even those plants commonly called "heavy root feeders" are only assumed to be that because they have big vigorous root systems. But, many aquatic plants grow roots just to anchor them in place, not to feed themselves. I have grown "heavy root feeding" sword plants that completely took over the tank in a few weeks, with only water column dosing of ferts. The ideal substrate would have lots of nutrients so the plants can obtain their nutrients from either or both the water and the substrate, but that isn't essential.

[IrishRover]

I was sold on Laterite, and it has helped greatly on my current tank. I have found everything to be rooted deeper and thicker. BUT, I will not use it again, it is a constant mess with every water change, and I an unable to move a single thing in the tank without the water turning orange, but as I said, my plants could not be healthier.

[Green Leaf Aquariums]

Did you give it several good rinsing in the beginning?