Growing a lush lawn: best substrates for a fine grassy carpet

[TimeLord]

I've got a bit of a setup going on in my tank with two sizes of gravel and some plants on rocks and wood, plus a bit of moss on a ship wreck. The two big plants I've got are doing really well in the gravel, roots everywhere and visible through the glass, so I'm guessing they're happy. I used to have proper plant soil, but my loaches made a mess of it and it's mostly gone now. I was thinking of getting a grassy carpet going at the front, so I ordered some Tropica Utricularia graminifolia 1-2-GROW. Problem is, my clown loaches love flipping the gravel over when they're looking for snails, so I'm not sure what substrate to use. Anyone got any suggestions that are available on UK Amazon? My work schedule's a bit crazy, so online shopping's my best bet.

I did find this product - https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets ... r-sand-2kg - would it work for what I'm trying to do? I've already got gravel in a similar shade, so I'm not too fussed about matching colors, but I don't want anything too bright or white, 'cause with my strong lights, it'll just be too reflective for my fish.

[daisymay]

I've had good experiences with sand as a substrate for my plants - no major issues to report. I'm not familiar with the specific plant you're working with, though, so can't offer much insight there. I do know that some fish can be quite skilled at digging up plants, but my current tankmate is just a lone Betta, so not exactly the most destructive creature.

[TimeLord]

I've had good experiences with sand as a substrate for my plants - no major issues to report. I'm not familiar with the specific plant you're working with, though, so can't offer much insight there. I do know that some fish can be quite skilled at digging up plants, but my current tankmate is just a lone Betta, so not exactly the most destructive creature.

Not ready to throw in the towel yet.