Dangerous to add more substrate?

[TetraFan]

Hi guys. I was just wondering if it would pose any danger to my fish or plants (ie. water quality) to be adding more planting substrate into my already-established tank. Thanks in advance for any replies!

[lochaber]

Unless you are adding one of the ones that leaches ammonia, or already has fertilizers or something in it, you should be fine.

Maybe also be careful with washing it first. For a while someone (I can't remember who) was posting a link to a youtube vid showing someone putting substrate in a plastic soda/water bottle, filling it with water, and then using that to add the substrate to the tank - all the clouding remained in the plastic bottle. I thought it was a pretty neat trick.

[le0p]

I've done this more than once. I rinse no more than usual, just added the substrate a little at a time with a large plastic cup. It kept the clouding to a minimum and within a half our or so, it cleared up. Haven't lost a fish to it yet.

[TetraFan]

Thanks for the replies! Was just trying to find out if it was a big no-no or not.

[AlexG]

are you thinking about creating layers?

[TetraFan]

No, elevation.

[AlexG]

very cool. hope it turns out looking good. post some pics if you decide to do that

[TetraFan]

I will, but I doubt I will be able to do anything overly dramatic. :l