Hi, I've recently got into fish keeping and spent the last couple of months researching. Just got my tank ordered and done some water checks.
I'm looking for some advice on substrate for aquascaping - I'm really interested in this, and I'll also have corydoras, so I need something that suits them too. Most people seem to recommend sand for corys.
Does sand work well for plants as well? Should I consider fertilizers and co2 for my plants - and does this have any impact on the fish?
Choosing the right substrate
Re: Choosing the right substrate
Sand works just fine for plants, in my experience. When it comes to ferts and CO2, it really depends on the type of plants you're dealing with and the lighting setup you have - generally speaking, that is.
Re: Choosing the right substrate
I'd say sand can work, but it really depends on the type of fish you're planning to keep - some of them just love digging and can cause a mess. For example, if you're going to have some active swimmers or burrowers, you might want to consider a different substrate.
As for fertilizers, I think it's a good idea to use them initially, until your tank gets established and the substrate starts to break down. Once that happens, you can start to limit your fertilizer use. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many nutrients can be toxic to your fish. I'd recommend using them sparingly, and depending on the type of plants you have, you might only need to dose them once a month or so.
As for fertilizers, I think it's a good idea to use them initially, until your tank gets established and the substrate starts to break down. Once that happens, you can start to limit your fertilizer use. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many nutrients can be toxic to your fish. I'd recommend using them sparingly, and depending on the type of plants you have, you might only need to dose them once a month or so.
Re: Choosing the right substrate
Sand is ideal for plants in my opinion.
Re: Choosing the right substrate
Thanks for the advice, it's been really helpful. Got my tank all set up and planted now, so I'm just going to see how things go from here.angler_1 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 8:15 pm I'd say sand can work, but it really depends on the type of fish you're planning to keep - some of them just love digging and can cause a mess. For example, if you're going to have some active swimmers or burrowers, you might want to consider a different substrate.
As for fertilizers, I think it's a good idea to use them initially, until your tank gets established and the substrate starts to break down. Once that happens, you can start to limit your fertilizer use. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many nutrients can be toxic to your fish. I'd recommend using them sparingly, and depending on the type of plants you have, you might only need to dose them once a month or so.