Hi,
I am doing my initial research on a new tank setup and I'm looking for advice on substrate. I intend to purchase a 36G Bowfront tank kit (there's a pretty good deal on it at my LFS) as it fits my space well and I've wanted a larger tank for some time. I currently have a very basic 10G tank with gravel and fake stuff. It currently has a single occupant, a clown pleco.
I may or may not put in some live plants at the start (leaning towards a couple low-light, low-tech plants to start...java fern etc) but from my reading (and common sense) substrate will be the hardest thing to correct if I don't pick wisely up-front. I know the lighting will probably be bad at first, and probably the filtration too, but those pieces are easier to upgrade as I go. I also don't intend to move too much from the old tank into the new, except for maybe a single cave ornament the pleco likes to hide in.
My reading is pointing me to using Flourite as a substrate. Would this be a smart choice for basic plants (or if they don't work, none for a time then more later)? Or would a basic gravel be alright? If I don't have any plants in it for a time would it still be ok? Cost isn't a huge issue, I'm more concerned with making the correct choice. I also found a local place that sells Flourite Dark for a somewhat reasonable price.
I appreciate any advice, thank you!
I am doing my initial research on a new tank setup and I'm looking for advice on substrate. I intend to purchase a 36G Bowfront tank kit (there's a pretty good deal on it at my LFS) as it fits my space well and I've wanted a larger tank for some time. I currently have a very basic 10G tank with gravel and fake stuff. It currently has a single occupant, a clown pleco.
I may or may not put in some live plants at the start (leaning towards a couple low-light, low-tech plants to start...java fern etc) but from my reading (and common sense) substrate will be the hardest thing to correct if I don't pick wisely up-front. I know the lighting will probably be bad at first, and probably the filtration too, but those pieces are easier to upgrade as I go. I also don't intend to move too much from the old tank into the new, except for maybe a single cave ornament the pleco likes to hide in.
My reading is pointing me to using Flourite as a substrate. Would this be a smart choice for basic plants (or if they don't work, none for a time then more later)? Or would a basic gravel be alright? If I don't have any plants in it for a time would it still be ok? Cost isn't a huge issue, I'm more concerned with making the correct choice. I also found a local place that sells Flourite Dark for a somewhat reasonable price.
I appreciate any advice, thank you!