Al the pleco says hi!
I decided on a white sand substrate for my 75-gallon tank, mainly because I have plecos and corys. Since cycling and adding the fish, I've started with some plants - I think they're Java ferns and repens, as well as a crypt. The larger plant on the left has produced several new plants, and the Java ferns have given me around four new plants from their runners. I also picked up a large piece of hornwort, which I'm floating near the front right, and I'm not sure whether to plant it or leave it floating. I've added duckweed to the surface, but my mollies have mostly eaten it, so I'm cultivating more in my 10-gallon tank to replenish it.
My plan is to add a large piece of driftwood to the left side once it's finished soaking, and place a hollow rock (rainbow shark cave) in the center. From there, I'd like to plant as heavily as I can, but I know that using sand limits my options. With the repens and Java ferns, I can cover the ground level pretty well, but I'd also like to add some growth to the upper levels for my fry and top-level swimmers like my congo tetras and white clouds.
Does anyone have suggestions for plants that can do well in sand? I'm open to using additives - I'm currently using Seachem flourish, which seems to have helped with growth in the last week. This is my first proper post here, so I'm open to all criticism and suggestions as I figure out my plans for this tank and others.
best plants for sand substrate
Re: best plants for sand substrate
I've also been considering water wisteria for my tank - I've heard it does really well in sand and isn't too fussy about fertilizers. It's supposed to grow pretty quickly and can get quite tall, which would be perfect for giving my congo tetras and white clouds some extra cover. Plus, it's said to do alright in low to moderate lighting, which is great since I'm still figuring out my lighting setup. One thing that's really appealing is how easy it is to propagate - just snip off the top part and replant it in the sand.
Re: best plants for sand substrate
Honestly, the best plant for sand substrate is any one that's meant to be planted in the substrate. What really matters, in my opinion, is having the right lighting, nutrients, and even some helpful critters like Trumpet snails. Don't underestimate the importance of water current either.
Re: best plants for sand substrate
Thanks to both of you for the suggestions.
FishManiac, I'll definitely look into Water Wisteria - I've got a couple of local fish shops that might carry it, so I'll check those out first.
goldminer, that's a good point about lighting and nutrients being more important than the substrate itself. I was worried that the dense sand would hinder root growth, but my Java ferns seem to be doing okay so far. The Seachem flourish seems to be helping, so I might stick with that or look into root tabs as an alternative.
I've actually been considering adding MTS to my tank, but I haven't been able to find them locally. Do you think they're hardy enough to order online? I like the idea of them mixing things up in the substrate like my corys do.
As for water current, I've got air lines on either side of the tank to supplement my Fluval 406. It seems to be working okay, but if I needed to add a powerhead, I'm not sure where to start.
FishManiac, I'll definitely look into Water Wisteria - I've got a couple of local fish shops that might carry it, so I'll check those out first.
goldminer, that's a good point about lighting and nutrients being more important than the substrate itself. I was worried that the dense sand would hinder root growth, but my Java ferns seem to be doing okay so far. The Seachem flourish seems to be helping, so I might stick with that or look into root tabs as an alternative.
I've actually been considering adding MTS to my tank, but I haven't been able to find them locally. Do you think they're hardy enough to order online? I like the idea of them mixing things up in the substrate like my corys do.
As for water current, I've got air lines on either side of the tank to supplement my Fluval 406. It seems to be working okay, but if I needed to add a powerhead, I'm not sure where to start.