Sand depth

[Cjbear087]

So I’ve just finished washing and putting my super fine sand into my aquarium. I measured it and it is about 6cm / 2.4” deep and I was wondering if this would be okay for a planted tank - I am thinking things like Amazon swords, vallisneria, anubias and things like that. I would rather not go any deeper than what I have it as currently but if it means that my plants will thrive then I will do it. Thanks

[Johanna]

Mine is a bit coarser grain, 0,5-1mm and thickness varies from 2 cm in the front to 5cm in the back. That's plenty enough for big swords and crypts etc. Don't make it deep *especially* if it's very fine grain because that will make it more prone to developing anaerobic areas and build toxic gas pockets in the sand. I'd recommend Malaysian trumpet snails to keep the sand moving and oxygenated anyway.

[brewmaster15]

I would suggest using a shallow container.. fill with laterite,gravel and peat. These work well for the plants you mention. You can then mound up the sand over them. Its what I use here in my potted plants in low tech tanks

[Johanna]

Not doubting your method at all, Al, but just wondering if you have any insight on this... is there a possibility of anaerobic pockets developing inside those pots as well? Since it isn't even possible to vacuum around the roots when the plants are potted.

Personally I'm very wary of ammonia spike from the substrate because back in the day (when I had no clue) I killed a bunch of cories and rams by releasing toxins from the sand. I had discus in there too and needless to say they weren't doing too well in that tank.

I've found that regular root tabs and JBL 7+13 balls that dissolve slowly over a year work well in plain sand.

[brewmaster15]

Not doubting your method at all, Al, but just wondering if you have any insight on this... is there a possibility of anaerobic pockets developing inside those pots as well? Since it isn't even possible to vacuum around the roots when the plants are potted.

Personally I'm very wary of ammonia spike from the substrate because back in the day (when I had no clue) I killed a bunch of cories and rams by releasing toxins from the sand. I had discus in there too and needless to say they weren't doing too well in that tank.

I've found that regular root tabs and JBL 7+13 balls that dissolve slowly over a year work well in plain sand.

Johanna, I doubt it. People plant in pots all the time. I have used this method for years and years. The gravel and laterite doesnt really compact and the peat added slowly breaks down over time releasing nutrients..I rarely need to add ferts . To give you an idea of how "loose" this mix is..its actually challenging to plant in it.. I usually have to put a few small rocks on the surface to hold the plant in place until the roots grow.

I suppose theres always a chance of small anaerobic pockets in that pot but I think you would actually have plenty of warning if you did.. the plants will not do well.

Obviously I can't guarantee you wont have a death bomb in your tank.. but I dont think its likely and have never had a problem with potted plants using this type of substrate.

[Johanna]

Ok, thanks for the explanation, makes sense