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Substrate, Laterite



Wade S. asked whether it was possible to use too much laterite; or, put another 
way, is more better?

Thought I'd relate a little experiment which is still ongoing:
A friend of mine set up two 20g high tanks in identical ways except for the 
substrate.  One had the recommended amount of Duplarit G added to the lower 
third of the gravel.  The other had 2-3 times as much of Duplarit (G and K) 
added (combo of the ground laterite and the balls).

The two tanks have matured in dramatically different ways.
The one with the extra laterite has had a great deal of algae (different types 
of green algae mostly) and the other tank has had almost no algae.

The experiment is not quite finished; more to come.  Take note however and be 
warned of "over-laterization" of your substrate.

As an aside, I have had tanks with great plant growth both with and without 
substrate additives.  My current tanks have the rec. amt of Duplarit G in the 
gravel.  My one experiment with more stuff in the gravel (peat, dirt) was 
disastrous.

Roxanne Bittman