- She tells me it's easier to use ferts than it is to use substrates with nutrients. ... Yes aqua substrates arnt needed. The liquid ferts do a great job. Thrive NilocG is a great all in one substrate. Both anubias and Java fern are low light plants.
- There are many liquid fertilizers ... for low-tech tanks or Seachem Flourish. While gravel is not the best substrate for planted tanks, its still a great choice for undemanding aquarium plants and, with supplemental fertilization, can allow you to grow most, if not all, aquarium plants in your aquarium. Gravel allows the plants to grab on and root to something more substantial than sand, and its larger grain size ensures proper water flow, preventing ...

- So I know that there is no hard and fast rule on the topic of substrate, but I have seen a ton of conflicting info on the matter. Being that I am brand new to planted tanks, and fish keeping in general, it is difficult to know what information is good and what information should be ignored. Here ...

- After a few rinses, which we realized may have washed away some of the nutrients, and a redirection of water flow, the substrate settled down nicely. We kept some Congo tetras, neon tetras, and Siamese algae eaters with the plants, all of which were able to adapt to the lower pH and KH of the planted aquarium. The nutrients in this soil lasted for a few years before we needed to start supplementing again. The tank was cleaned weekly and had a moderate amount of plants with only a few fish, which was the best combination for this planted aquarium substrate.
- These little helpers break down waste into plant-friendly forms, creating a natural recycling system in your tank. Its like having a compost party underwater. Certain soils can lower pH levels and soften water, creating the ideal water for most types of aquatic plants. They are excellent for planting because of the granule size they possess while also improving oxygenation of the substrate.