layed substrates

[becks]

Hi,

I'm changing over from keep reef tanks to planted aquariums and the amount of substrate options is staggering, in marine tanks its simple, choose either a shallow sand bed or deep and then decide on grain size.

I'm going to lay a clay based soil of either fine grain 1-3mm akadama or Moler Clay (Cat Litter) but I would like to cap the substrate with about two inches of Dennerle Quartz gravel, which is 1-2mm. I'm assuming that this gravel grain size may work its way to the bottom over time??

If this will most likely work its way to the bottom, what mesh do you guys recommend to install over the clay substrate that will allow roots to pass? maybe something like insect screen??

 

[Edvet]

What do you want from the tank? High tech, low tech?
Me i am a simple guy, i have always used riversand ( which is a natural mix from fine grained sand to fine gravel) and feed the plants through the water column ( EI method, so plenty ferts and large waterchanges). All plants can and will take up all the nutrients they need. Clay based soils can suck up nutrients ( either from what you feed, or the company that produces them add it) and thus allow you toy be sloppy with the fertilisation scheme.
The sand in my large tank has been there since '98 or so and i have never changed it.
There are people who swear by backed soils but i find they will get soft and mushy in the long run ( or even short run). My substrate will stay stable over the next decade too.