Have bought some Tropica Aquarium soil and mesh bags. Going to be placing it under my existing gravel in stages. I also think I want to raise the back up higher than currently possible with the gravel and aqua soil I have.
Driving to multiple locations for a good match to my existing gravel has been fruitless and has set me back weeks, so I now plan to use a bulk substrate in bags underneath the aqua soil where I need height and then use my existing gravel to cap.
If I am going down this route, the bulk substrate might as well give an additional benefit over plain gravel, so either optimal for bacteria (alfagrog?? crushed lava rock?) or nutrient storage/release to roots (akadama?? clay balls?).
I've read plenty of threads on here plus the Substrate article but am not sure what route to go down and opinions on stated claims v actual benefits not that clear. What are people's thoughts?
Driving to multiple locations for a good match to my existing gravel has been fruitless and has set me back weeks, so I now plan to use a bulk substrate in bags underneath the aqua soil where I need height and then use my existing gravel to cap.
If I am going down this route, the bulk substrate might as well give an additional benefit over plain gravel, so either optimal for bacteria (alfagrog?? crushed lava rock?) or nutrient storage/release to roots (akadama?? clay balls?).
I've read plenty of threads on here plus the Substrate article but am not sure what route to go down and opinions on stated claims v actual benefits not that clear. What are people's thoughts?