gravel

[hixy]

I've had planted tanks in the past and want to set up another.My only problem is my discus I really don't want the ammonia spike associated with soil substrates so I want to use straight nordic gravel.Would this work or can you suggest anything I can put under the gravel that won't cause bad water conditions.

mick

 

[tam]

Depends what you want to grow, but gravel generally works fine for easy plants - root tabs can be added if you have hungry root feeders or liquid ferts. You could look at the tropica soil/substrate - if I remember right they don't have the dramatic spike. I set up a tank a few months ago with it - didn't test religiously but I added plants straight away and there was none detectable when I was ready to transfer fish a couple of weeks later.

 

[hixy]

Thank you.Is Tesco cat litter a viable option as that is easily available

 

[hixy]

I have gone with John innes number 3 and will leave the tank for a couple of weeks and test for ammonia.