Revitalize and Upgrade

[kevma]

Hi, I want to upgrade the top layer of substrate of my 200L Fluval Roma tank? I currently have Tetra substrate covered in pea gravel. I think over time the Tetra has started to disappear? leaving manly the more course gravel.

I have just upgraded my T8 lights to T5 lights and would like to try growing some carpeting plant but I think that the more course gravel would be a bad start. I would prefer not to drain the tank and restart and was wondering if there was a good substrate that I could somehow mix into and overlay what I already have?

I have been having some algae problems and am hoping that through adding more plants + a nutrient injection to the roots of my other plants might help?
I am also adding pressurised CO2 into the tank and adding Tropica plant nutrition +.

Kevma

 

[foxfish]

Hi & welcome to the forum.
I would leave your substrate and concentrate on the C02 & fertilisation.
If you have good flow around your tank, understand about EI & inject C02 you can grow plants in plastic beads!
If you did not have a budget & you were starting afresh then buy some ADA Amozolia but, in your case dont worry about your established & mature substrate 🙂

 

[kevma]

Thanks for your help, but I always seem to have trouble getting my plants to stay anchored, as the fish are always uprooting them.
I was hoping to plant some carpeting plants and I'am worried they will do the same, as it will be hard for them to take hold?

Also could you recommend some decent root tabs that don't cost a fortune?

Thanks Kevnma