Setting up a low-tech substrate

[Bradcharby]

Just a fun little thread on setting up my planted tank's substrate.

A little pool filter sand at the front glass so you won't see the multiple layers. I used a bit of powdered nurtrients, then placed a layer of soil.


Covered the soil with Aquatic soil, which is basically clay.


So far, the cat approves....


Pool filter sand added and sloped


peat in the filter...


And wait as it sloooooowly fills...


The final result

 

[Josh]

That looks great! I love seeing the progression through your photos too. Nice work!

 

[gerald]

Nice! Please tell us where did you find that dark pool filter sand? I've only seen white. Good luck keeping that Schultz stuff down. It's light weight and tends to rise up through heavier sands. Hopefully the plant roots will build a good mat to hold it down.

 

[Bradcharby]

I got the sand at my local pool retailer. I had no idea what color it was until I cut open the bag. I was pleasantly surprised.

I would never use the clay in a high-tech setup but with crypts in a low tech, I rarely pull up the plants.