| Setting up a planted tank is one of the most | | | | and gravels. Typically you can find a 50lb bag for |
| beautiful and rewarding experiences in freshwater | | | | around five dollars. Personally I prefer to have a nice |
| fish keeping. Not only will your aquarium look natural | | | | texture to my gravel so it looks natural. I usually buy |
| and provide cover for your fish (which keeps them | | | | a second bag of a larger size that I will mix in. |
| happy), the plants will help keep the water free from | | | | Make sure to completely rinse the laterite and other |
| nitrates and other toxic biological compounds. Most of | | | | substrates in buckets before putting them into the |
| my tanks are at least semi-planted and I almost | | | | tank. The laterite is tough to get clean so do the |
| never have "random fish deaths" in those tanks. | | | | best you can. When you are ready, lay the laterite |
| Plants in my opinion can act as a buffer to keep the | | | | down first evenly or more concentrated where you |
| water more stable for your fish. | | | | think you might have more plants. Next, if you chose |
| When you set up a planted tank there are many | | | | 2 or more other components, mix them together |
| things to consider, such as which plants to pick, which | | | | until you create a texture that looks good to you. |
| lights and how much, and of course the substrate. | | | | Place the mixed substrate over the laterite, |
| For today lets focus on the substrate since it's the | | | | completely covering it. |
| foundation of your tank. If you are like most people, | | | | For most tanks, I'd say 2-3 inches is fine for |
| you go to the pet store and buy their overpriced | | | | substrate depth. When filling the tank with water, |
| bags of colored gravel. You end with an empty wallet | | | | pour slowly and carefully or you will stir up dust and |
| and up wondering why your plants won't grow | | | | powder from the laterite. Also be careful if you only |
| properly. | | | | used sand with your laterite. Sand is fine but |
| The only thing from the typical pet store you are | | | | sometimes it (and this is rare) can compact and |
| going to need for this is box of laterite. Laterite is a | | | | create toxic bubbles of bacteria. When it's mixed with |
| clay like substance that contains iron, which plant | | | | something else it's more unlikely this is going to |
| roots need to grow properly. A typical box for a 40+ | | | | happen. A good burrowing fish can also prevent this |
| gallon aquarium will probably run you about twenty | | | | too, much like earthworms churn soil. Your gravel |
| dollars. Next go to a hardware store like Orchard | | | | should have a nice rich, natural look and be ready for |
| Supply or Home Depot and take a look at their sands | | | | plants....good luck. |