Soil substrate a must?

[Killamanjaro]

I’m currently planning a planted tank but my main question is do I need to have a soil substrate as a base? Ideally i’d Like to use only sand as my substrate and put in root tabs from time to time if required.

The plants I plant to keep are mainly cryptocoryns, hygrophilla, anubias, valiserna and swords.

Can I have success with sand and no soil underneath?

 

[Kezzab]

Yes, many have sand alone. You may need to add some fertilizer, not just root tabs. Go for it.

 

[Edvet]

Yep. no problem. I have the same sand/gravel in my large tank for over ten years now. Just add ferts to the water.

 

[Killamanjaro]

Awesome, I already use liquid fertilizer in my current tank and would continue to do so. Nice to know I can skip the soil, thanks for the reply!