Who Gives A Fish Forums

Ive heard sand's not ideal for plant growth. Aponogeton's my only root feeder, the rest are leaf feeders.

Don't take things at face value - it's always best to fact-check. A quick search online reveals plenty of examples of thriving planted aquariums using sand as the substrate.

My aquarium's looking pretty good, so I'd say yes, plants can definitely grow in sand. Of course, not all of them will thrive, but as long as the sand's deep enough and you're using some form of fertiliser, you should be alright.

I've had good luck with aponogeton, even when I've just dropped the bulb in without burying it - it still seems to grow just fine.

It's definitely possible to grow plants in sand. If you're dealing with heavy root feeders like swords, adding root tabs can be beneficial. For other plants, it's not a major concern.

Glad to know I'm on the right track. I'll stick with aponogeton for now, and maybe add some cryptocoryne later. I'll use root tabs for the ones that need it, and liquid fertilizer for my leaf feeders like the aponogeton.

Plants thrive in sand in their natural habitats, so it's only logical they can do the same in aquariums.

Aponogetons are heavy feeders, requiring a rich source of nutrients to flourish. Providing them with a couple of root tabs, supplemented with liquid fertiliser in the water, should meet their needs.

My two cents on the matter - I think plants can do alright in fine sand, but personally, I've found that roots tend to have an easier time in slightly coarse sand or gravel. The coarser texture seems to allow for better water flow and oxygenation, which helps prevent those nasty anaerobic pockets from forming. Just a point to keep in mind - coarse sand is generally more permeable, which can make a big difference. One thing to avoid, though, is stirring the sand - it's just asking for trouble. Disturbing the sand can trap all sorts of detritus down below, leading to a real mess.

My thoughts on sand as a planting medium...
While fine sand can work for plants, I'm more inclined to think that roots have an easier time in slightly coarser sand or even gravel. The increased permeability of coarse sand also helps prevent anaerobic pockets from forming.
Just a gentle reminder: let the sand be. Avoid stirring it up, as this can trap detritus and create a real mess.

Trumpet snails to the rescue.

I've found that sand works well for me, despite the potential risks. My experience with fine gravel was actually worse when it came to anaerobic patches, although I did avoid disturbing it. The plants in my sand-rooted setup seem to do just fine, and as a bonus, they release oxygen through their roots during photosynthesis. This helps maintain a healthy environment. It's worth noting that pearling, or the visible release of oxygen from leaves, is usually a sign of high CO2 levels, rather than a normal occurrence. I agree that snails can be a big help, as they gently turn over the substrate. And as for the fish, I've had no issues with them in soft sand.

Just my two cents.....
I'm with you on using sand, but I think coarse sand or gravel might be better for plant roots. It's more permeable, which helps prevent anaerobic areas.
On the other hand, I know you need finer sand for your pygmy corys or kuhli loaches, so they can sift through it with their gills. Caribsea super naturals might be a good choice, but be gentle with the sand - disturbing it can trap detritus and cause problems.