[GSAS-Member] Substrates for Planted Aquariums

["Seattle_Aquarist" <Seattle_Aquarist@comcast.net>]

Hi Jeff,

You have posed an excellent question concerning substrates for planted
aquariums.  I agree that the ADA soils (Amazonia; Amazonia II; Africana; et
al) are expensive and some individuals believe they are worth it.  I got
back into the hobby two years ago specifically because I wanted to have
planted tanks.  For the first year I grew all my plants in plain natural
gravel purchased from our LFS and fertilized through the water column.  I am
by no means an expert, but I feel I have been fairly successful growing many
different species of plants.  The club did some comparisons of various
substrates a couple of years ago.  I believe some of the samples from that
comparison may still be in our library.

I am currently changing over my aquariums to Turface Pro League Grey or
Soilmaster Select Charcoal.  They are basically the same.  They are a heat
treated montmorillonite clay mineral with high cation exchange capacity
(CEC), so they can capture and hold cations like potassium and iron in a way
that makes them easier for plant roots to grab.   A 50# bag of Turface Pro
League Grey costs about $16.00 plus tax and will cover the bottom of a 75
gallon aquarium.

I am sure that other members with more experience than I have some
recommendations to share as well.  But in answer to your question, no you do
not need to buy expensive substrates for planted aquariums.  I find that
providing sufficient light (and possibly CO2) to be of equal or greater
benefit for planted tanks.  Hmmm, maybe there is a "HAP Corner" article
hidden here somewhere?

Roy

 

 

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