Aquarium substrate

[finley]

Now, I do apologise for posting here, just I don’t know where else to go, and I understand if I don’t get any responses as this is not necessarily of anybody’s expertise. But, the question is, can I use tropica plant growth soil in my tank even if I am not going to have plants, this is for a tropical tank ( not a saltwater tank), again sorry for posting here I just didn’t know where else to go.

 

[stE26wy14]

Now, I do apologise for posting here, just I don’t know where else to go, and I understand if I don’t get any responses as this is not necessarily of anybody’s expertise. But, the question is, can I use tropica plant growth soil in my tank even if I am not going to have plants, this is for a tropical tank ( not a saltwater tank), again sorry for posting here I just didn’t know where else to go.

yeah you can, its very expensive though, especially for not having any plants,could I ask why u aren't gonna have any plants?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It’s a fine place to post it, although the answers will be different in a freshwater tank than a reef tank where flow may be a lot higher.

One concern with some soils is them floating away in the current. You might need something on top to hold it down.

Fertilizers in soils will also quickly was out into the water.

 

[stE26wy14]

It’s a fine place to post it, although the answers will be different in a freshwater tank than a reef tank where flow may be a lot higher.

One concern with some soils is them floating away in the current. You might need something on top to hold it down.

Fertilizers in soils will also quickly was out into the water.

this soil is planted soil, they are little balls and they are denser than water, so they don't move at all(in flow)
you can put FRESHWATER sand ontop for extra eye candy too :D

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm assuming you already have this substrate and that's why you're asking? If not, I do think there's better choices if you're not keeping plants. I've used swimming pool filter sand as a very inexpensive substrate. I've also used Black Diamond Sand Blasting sand, which is available where I live, you can see if it's available where you are too.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...lWMGOFbP_BRzceCnn6V1kz1yyS5ms0_IaAomaEALw_wcB

 

[stE26wy14]

personally, I would keep plants, u just need a light(u can get a cheap one on amazon, I use aquaneat) and plant fertilizer, u can use fluval, but plants are great cause they give the fish a place to hide, they help filter out detritus, ammonia, ph and more!!!!(correct me if Im wrong plz)

 

[Waters]

As stated, you can but it isn't worth the risk of feeding algae (most planted tank substrates are very nutrient rich). I would use an inert substrate like stated.....I have also used both pool filter sand and black diamond sand with good results. You can also use any of the natural looking gravels. If you decide down the road you want to add plants you can still grow most by using root tabs. You also have the option of using rhizome plants which just pull nutrients from the water column.

 

[MoshJosh]

Should be fine, though would be leaching nutrients into the water unnecessarily (that would otherwise be absorbed by the plants). As stated above you can "cap" the soil (put another substrate over the top of it) to keep it down and for aesthetic reasons, though the "cap" may get disturbed and be moot depending on your stocking (cichlids or other fish that stir up the substrate). Also as stated above, can always just through some plants in their, as there are some very easy plants that do NOT need a ton of light.

 

[finley]

yeah you can, its very expensive though, especially for not having any plants,could I ask why u aren't gonna have any plants?

I am switching tanks, within the span of a day, and don’t have the knowledge of how to keep plants, so I was gonna set up the new tank with the soil and then I may add plants eventually, but there is a chance I may never

 

[stE26wy14]

I am switching tanks, within the span of a day, and don’t have the knowledge of how to keep plants, so I was gonna set up the new tank with the soil and then I may add plants eventually, but there is a chance I may never

u really just need that soil, plant fertilizer, and a light, aquaneat is good and cheap, and weekly water changes

 

[finley]

u really just need that soil, plant fertilizer, and a light, aquaneat is good and cheap, and weekly water changes

Will a light that was meant for a reef tank be any good ? The light goes from 1-10 on the blue and white scale, so if I just keep it on the white setting will it be good ? Also what is plant fertiliser?

 

[stE26wy14]

Will a light that was meant for a reef tank be any good ? The light goes from 1-10 on the blue and white scale, so if I just keep it on the white setting will it be good ? Also what is plant fertiliser?

no, this: Amazon product ASIN B07G91RKC7
but choose the correct size

fertL Amazon product ASIN B000255QJS

 

[Fish Fan]

I am switching tanks, within the span of a day, and don’t have the knowledge of how to keep plants, so I was gonna set up the new tank with the soil and then I may add plants eventually, but there is a chance I may never

Get an inexpensive freshwater light, and stick with easy, low-light plants. No CO2 or anything complicated. Anubias are very hardy plants, as would be Java Fern/moss, Crypts, etc.