Simple question

[black_envy]

What is the best substrate for planted fish tanks and where do I get some? I want to plant the bottom of my water feature for my betta fish.

Edit: I found some flourite at this site, but I don't want to pay $25 when I only need a tiny amount...http://www.southbroadwaytropicals.com/I ... ioners.htm

[fishmommy]

you can mix laterite and pea gravel (50/50)
laterite needs to be rinsed EXTREMELY well.

you might also check your local fish clubs to find out if someone will sell you a small amount of Fluorite or Flora Base.

however, depending on what type of plants you intend to put in this water feature, you may not need a nutritious substrate so much.

Another option is to use root tabs instead. plain gravel and just stick a root tab under the plant once every month or two.

[smorrow]

Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil is about $7 at Lowes or Home Depot, I mix it with pea gravel in my planted tank.

[jejton]

If you only need it for a small water feature, put an inch of pea gravel ( non epoxy coated ), a couple of fertilizer tabs ( excel makes them ) and put a couple of plants. They will get enough nutrients from the fish and frogs waste ( plus drowned bugs ). In my water feature, i have a couple of plants that grew too tall for my fbt viv and i just stuck them into the water feature without any substrate at all and they are doing just fine. You only need specialized substrate if you are doing a full blown out planted aquarium.

[black_envy]

Coolie, I would just hate to pay $25 when I only need like a 20th of that bag + shipping...can I just stick some aquatic plants in some gravel with root tabs?

[fishmommy]

yep.

heck, I grow a lot of plants in sand! as long as there are nutrients in the water you don't need nutritious substrate.

[black_envy]

Thanks I will do that thats a whole lot cheaper lol