Setting up a 29G dedicated planted tank for the first time and wondering if it would be feasible to use a layer of Stratum underneath a small granule size gravel? Like the look of red flint gravel, has a very natural look. Wondering if an 18lb bag of stratum underneath a 25lb bag of gravel would be a good starting point?
Capping Stratum with small size gravel?
- Thread starter NCStateFisher
- Start date
Best of luck with setting it up! I can't offer you any tips on stratum but my planted tank is exactly the same size as yours, so I feel extra inclined to wish you good luck.
Appreciate it, what substrate are you going with? Easily the most difficult decision in the process for me lol
I just use pool filter sand. The plants I have (hornwort, duckweed, pothos) and plan to have (Java moss) don't need to be rooted in the substrate, which allows me to choose whatever I want without negatively affecting them.
Ah I gotcha. I've got plants in my 75 in sand with root tabs (anubias, amazon swords, corkscrew val, crypts and hygrophilla) - but wanted to take this one up a notch. Got my hardscape driftwood and rocks today looking forward to getting it started
My best planted tanks have been using 2.5”-3”thickness of 1mm to 2mm gravel under which I had 1” thickness of garden clay. These performed better than either the ones set up with sand, those with purpose bought planting substrate or those with planting substrate with gravel over.
If by stratum you mean sand then the main thing to be careful of will be the thickness. Sand is dense and does not allow water even at minute levels to pass between the grains constantly like gravel so it gets compacted and starts to foul, going black underneath, especially the layers not at the surface where flow and fish help keep it sweet.
Better option maybe a different size gravel or just a 1/4” to 1/2” layer max. Note that the sand brings nothing to the table realistically for the plants.
If by stratum you meant slate or similar then be careful of the opposite. Air can get trapped in slate beds as you fill up and plant roots reach the air pockets and die back.
none of this is NOT doable, just needs recognising.
If by Stratum you mean the fluval substrate and topping it with gravel then yes deffinately doable - just refer to my initial comments although you may have better results than I have.
And don’t forget to keep us updated what you chose and how it’s going.
If by stratum you mean sand then the main thing to be careful of will be the thickness. Sand is dense and does not allow water even at minute levels to pass between the grains constantly like gravel so it gets compacted and starts to foul, going black underneath, especially the layers not at the surface where flow and fish help keep it sweet.
Better option maybe a different size gravel or just a 1/4” to 1/2” layer max. Note that the sand brings nothing to the table realistically for the plants.
If by stratum you meant slate or similar then be careful of the opposite. Air can get trapped in slate beds as you fill up and plant roots reach the air pockets and die back.
none of this is NOT doable, just needs recognising.
If by Stratum you mean the fluval substrate and topping it with gravel then yes deffinately doable - just refer to my initial comments although you may have better results than I have.
And don’t forget to keep us updated what you chose and how it’s going.
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Should have known ! That’s the stuff I tried in my planted tanks both by itself and covered with gravel. Not a great fan compared to clay but that might be the type of plants as mine were really hygrophilia, vallisnaria and swords.
Makes a right mess if the fish get to it or at water changes.
But not as much as clay I guess!
Makes a right mess if the fish get to it or at water changes.
But not as much as clay I guess!
yea meant fluval stratum - I’m really excited about the driftwood scape - will start a thread when it’s all started!
I use Miracle Grow organic potting soil under a cap of sand/gravel. I also place a piece of fiberglass window screen between the soil and the sand so that they don't mix.