Recs for a LIGHTER substrate please! Planted discus tank

[ceveji]

Hello!

I have got discus that have turned a couple shades darker than I would like. I have been using Aquadurt from AquariumPlants.com in the dark grey.

Can anyone recommend a white or natural-colored substrate that is relatively fine-grained please? Is sand a bad idea for plants? Ideally, I'd like to find something like my Aquadurt, only in white or beige...

How is something like this in "crystal river" or "torpedo beach"? Would that lighten the discus' colors & keep plants happy? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+27696+10742+21412&pcatid=21412

Thanks much! ;)

[lipadj46]

Pool filter sand

[ceveji]

Hi Don, okay, so you think pool sand (only) would keep plants happy as long as I'm fertilizing (tabs, etc.)? Tx, C

[Discusdude7]

Hi Don, okay, so you think pool sand (only) would keep plants happy as long as I'm fertilizing (tabs, etc.)? Tx, C

What plants do you have in mind? Just like swords?

[Elliots]

PFS, root fert tabs and add plant food to your water if you change a lot of water often as Discus owners do. I add Flourish to my tank every time I change water. I add Flourish in proportion to the qwuantity of water I change. I have best success with Sword plants. I think that is due to my water temp. 82.

[pcsb23]

Have a look at my tank here http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?113026-Weeds that is sand over tropica, works well.

[ceveji]

Thanks Paul - you're the best! I can't find Tropica locally (in the US)... and it's very expensive to ship! What do you think of something like this? http://www.activflora.com/ Also, if I went with that, would you recommend a layer of Tropica-like planted substrate underneath? I found this one closeby: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OCEAN-FREE-AQUARIUM-ABSOLUTE-PLANT-BASE-SUBSTRATE-/200559485408?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

:o

[nvladik]

If you already have a planted substrate and you just want light color, why not top what you have with PFS?

[ceveji]

Yes, I tried putting PFS on top of my aquadurt and, over time (2 months) and water changes, I ended up with a layered effect where my Aquadurt pebbles rise to the top & the sand sinks...

[pcsb23]

Thanks Paul - you're the best! I can't find Tropica locally (in the US)... and it's very expensive to ship! What do you think of something like this? http://www.activflora.com/ Also, if I went with that, would you recommend a layer of Tropica-like planted substrate underneath? I found this one closeby: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OCEAN-FREE-AQUARIUM-ABSOLUTE-PLANT-BASE-SUBSTRATE-/200559485408?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

:oI've heard good things about the activflora, but if you were to put pfs over the top it would mix quite quickly imo as the activflora is granular. It is light enough (in colour) to be used on it's own though. I know nothing of the fleabay product so can't comment. Shame you can't get tropica in the USA

[musicmarn1]

Tsorb :)