[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V4 #489
> Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 01:27:33 -0600
> From: "Mortimer Snerd" <mortimersnerd at uswest_net>
> Subject: Sand in substrate
>
> All,
>
> At the risk of restarting the substrate wars, or even igniting a minor
> skirmish, I'm going to ask my question. I recently had a conversation with
> Karl Scholler (of Substrate Gold fame) about my 100 gallon I'm rebuilding
> after my recent move. He suggested I use an inch or two of sand mixed with
> laterite under 2-4 inches of gravel, stating that he found it was the best
> way to work with most plants, especially those that were heavy root feeders,
> like crypts and swords. I'm interested in trying it out, but have concerns
> about the sand compacting, putrification and the plants becoming root-bound.
> As a bonus, I use Dupla's heating cables, and am wondering if there is a
> possibility the sand will reduce the theoretical circulation of water
> through the substrate via convection. Any thoughts much appreciated.
Laterite and plain gravel has always worked well for us. Why complicate things?
George Booth in Ft. Collins, Colorado (booth at frii_com)
http://www.frii.com/~booth/AquaticConcepts