Easiest DIY substrate for planted tanks?

[Charlutz]

First my ‘Plants Anonymous’ statement. Hi, my name is Charlie and I murder plants. I used to solely keep tanganyikans and could only keep some java fern, anubias and some vals alive. I’m trying some community tanks with rainbow fish, tetras and rams. I’ve added some plants and been 50/50 at keeping them alive. I’ve upgraded the lights on some to the LED 24/7 auto cycle and that seems to help and some LED shop lights on others which are not as great but ok. I have sand in most of the tanks, so I’ve used some ceramic pots with open bottoms and foam to hold the plants with some root tabs.

I want to take the plunge and add plant substrates with a sand or gravel cap layer. I could use some advice on the best way to do it (I believe I need to relocate fish for the process) and where to source the material. I’ve got two 75’s, two 40 breeders, eventually a 125 and a couple 10’s or 15’s. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[halak]

If you are looking for a DIY substrate, here is the one I use.

Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association » Mineralized Soil Substrate

gwapa.org

It takes a few months to make it, but it will last a while.

 

[Charlutz]

Thanks! I will definitely give that a try, though I’m looking for something I can put in a tank in a week or two, so that recipe will have to be for my next round. Also, any issues using that mix for tanks without CO2? I’m holding off on that equipment for now. Thanks again!

 

[halak]

No, it doesn't matter whether or not you are putting extra CO2 into the tank. Just don't put any shrimp into the tank the first three months.

 

[FishEggs]

I was going to suggest the mineralized soil but Viktor beat me to it. i had the best results with that substrate.
If you want something ready to go, i've used Eco-Complete and had decent results. Expect algae in the beginning so start low on the amount of light and plant heavy to try to avoid it. It might last about 6 months to a year, depending on the plants, before you need to add fert tabs to it.

 

[Charlutz]

Viktor (nice to e-meet you btw), have you found a substitute or preferred substrate cap? Looks like they discontinued the 3m colorquartz. I’ve used pfs but appreciate the color choices. I tend to like all black or a mixture of white/gray with some black flecks if anything comes to mind. I’m going to try some of the eco complete in an 8g bow front for a betta this weekend. Thanks!

 

[Charlutz]

Also, what do you think of fluval stratum? It’s on sale at petsmart for $30 for 17.5 lbs. I grabbed one bag for the betta tank but could grab more for one of the other tanks.

 

[halak]

I used to cap my substrate with 3M colorquartz, as well. Now I use Estes, the small black type, which is very similar to the 3M I used to use.

I have no experience with Fluval stratum.

 

[Andrewtfw]

Hi Charlie,
I am too lazy and impatient to make my own soil. I have been using Aquascape brand pond planting soil in a few tanks for a couple of years now. I am happy with it. I have capped it with pool filter sand, and also Azoo soil for shrimp, which is black. The tank in the photo is set up with this soil and pool filter sand. I don't run co2 on this tank.

 

[FishEggs]

It looks to me like the Fluval Stratum is basically the same stuff as Eco Complete.

 

[Rainbowfan]

J have never been one to use CO 2 Over all the years that I've had fish tanks , I've had outrageous planted tanks and not so good . Both ends of the spectrum. Un fortunately I didn't know enough about ph ,nitrites ,nitrates , temp etc. Just lucky here and there. Here is what I have learned over the years and what is working for me. I lean towards low light plants ie. Ludwigia . anubias , mosses. crypts , and swords. Have been having very satisfying results. Smaller tanks or should I say shallower tanks are really good for your redder variety plants Bigger and deeper tanks ie. 55gallon and larger deeper tanks , the plants struggle a bit. Still thrive and grow just slower and a little stunted or the stem plants get long and spindly till the top or upper section reaches near the surface. My smaller tanks , I just throw in gravel , sand whatever. As long as I put in some root tabs and liquid ferts , plants do fine. In my 55 gallon tanks I put in 1 or 2 Eco complete bags and then 2 bags of Black Diamond sand blast from Tractor Supply Root tabs and low level light plants and everyone is happy! Hope this helps. Also congrats on your rainbows and rams! We spoke earlier................Glad your enjoying your new finny friends. Respectfully Brian

 

[Becca]

Also, what do you think of fluval stratum? It’s on sale at petsmart for $30 for 17.5 lbs. I grabbed one bag for the betta tank but could grab more for one of the other tanks.

I like Stratum. It doesn't degrade as fast as sime of the other "soils" and you don't need to cap it. I tend to mix some sand in with it (sand will sink to the bottom) because it's lightweight and new plants tend to float up out of it. Adding a little sand gives you something to keep roots down.

 

[Rainbowfan]

Fluval Stratum is a good product. If it's on sale go for it. Side note : you can add it directly to the tank a little at a time , let the filter feep running , when water clears add a little more , repeat ,etc. etc time consuming yes but is just another suggestion. Won't affect fish adding a little at a time and and you don't have to break down the tank , remove and transfer the fish etc. Also down the road............consider CHEWY. Great prices , free shipping , and speedy delivery