[Grah the great]

Hi everyone! I have a 20 high that was originally just going to have fake plants, and I added a thin layer of black gravel to this tank simply to prevent the future fishy occupants from getting stressed out by the bare tank bottom. Now, however, I am strongly considering trying to plant the tank...which is already filled and in the process of cycling (still has ammonia and nitrite readings, but nitrate is starting to accumulate). My question is, what can I add to an already setup tank that would be a better substrate for plants than plain old gravel and will not make a mess? I'm assuming it is a little late in the game to add mineralized top soil. Thanks

 

[minorhero]

Aquasoil, or washed sand would be a good choice. Or even both, aquasoil capped in sand.

 

[Grah the great]

Aquasoil, or washed sand would be a good choice. Or even both, aquasoil capped in sand.

Does fluval stratum count as 'aquasoil' in this context? I have a nearby pet store with some 8.8 lb bags available.

 

[minorhero]

Aquasoil is any commercial nutrient rich aquarium substrate that can be exposed to the water column without a cap. So ya, fluval stratum counts.

Just drain your water as low as you can and add it, then refill.