Sand FAQ

[Orion]

It's not that coral sand is bad for pH, but he fact that depending on your tap water it has the potential to alter it. If you have soft water then yes, you may well notice the effects of it but if you have hard water then it's unlikley that you'll see much change in the pH.

Silica is often a major ingrediant in most of the playsands I see around here.

I would not mix playsand in with anything for plant growth. The grains are small and will compact over a short amount of time not only slowing down any plant growth but also creating anerobic pockets. A more course sand would be a better choice.

For plants proper substrate and lighting are only two parts to the puzzle. You will also most likley need some form of Co2 injection and fert's.

[Mystic28]

Thank you for the info Orion. What would you recomend for the substrate for freshwater plants? I would like a really natural look. preferably sand.

[Orion]

I've used Flourite in the past and it worked out great for the plants. Doesn't look too bad either. I've also heard really good things about Eco-Complete from other members here, but never used it myself.

The general problem with sand and plants is that the grains of sand can constrict the roots of the plant cutting off it's food supply. It also cuts down on the amount of fresh water that the roots have access too. But not all plants are doomed to failure with sand. It depends on the type of plant as well as the sand. The more course the sand (how big each grain of sand is) the less it will compact and easier time plants will have getting what it needs out of the substrate. Of course if you want to go all with plants that do not need to be in the substrate (anubias, some ferns, mosses) then it's not going to matter what type of substrate you have.

[Mystic28]

What if I potted the plants and put that in sand?