[cmathews95]

I new to Planted tanks and am a little confused about substrates. So I know you would do an inch or such layer of soil. Then what do you add gravel substrate on top of that. I just wondering how you would plant into the substrate without mixing up the soil with the substrate.:icon_frow

 

[Diana]

It is almost impossible to plant without mixing, so I do not do layered substrates.
However, if dirt with gravel cap is your goal, then there will not be much mixing. Most of the gravel will get pushed sideways, especially if you move slowly when you are planting. Only a little will end up mixed with the dirt unless you are really careless and just shove the plants in any which way.

 

[mitchfish9]

+1^^

The key is not to mess with aquascapes in dirt tanks too much. Just have a good plan and roll with it.