Filter Sand and Live Plants

[Lakea]

Okay I have decided on pool filter sand for my 55g (which I get to pick up tuesday). The thing is I have a bunch of java fern leftover from my 29g, so my question is how do live plants and filter sand mix?

I thought about maybe getting some little cups/pots and putting some gravel or something in there to hold the plants. Anyone else have any opinions or ideas, I would like to get more plants eventually, so I need to figure something out.

ooo, Maybe I could find a long container place it in the back of the aquarium and put plants in it, a little mini garden in the back.

[punkrockfish]

java fern will grow in almost any condition, especially because it doesn't need to be planted. i have kept plants in sand before, but they were rather hardy.

[Dan Steveo]

yeah. java fern will grow in almost any condition.

[tom91970]

It's not a problem to grow plants in pool filter sand. You just need to fertilize them. I have a 14g planted tank that I have no problem growing plants in. I use Flourish tabs, DIY CO2, and liquid ferts twice a week.

My plants stay in the sand easy enough one they are established. If you have a problem with them staying where you want them use a rock to hold it down.

Here's a pic (I really should post a more recent one, though, but this will give you an idea):

[Lakea]

Wow, okay awesome. Thanks for the comments!

[Cichlid-Man]

Agree with the above.

The pots are a good idea as well and could even be covered with sand. Just with some gravel underneath. Also, with java fern attaching it to wood or rocks would work really well.

[BritishBookBug]

Hi:
I have 4 planted tanks. I used a laterite substrate underneath the sand. This provides long-term fertilizer for your plants. I use a few rocks around the base of the plant to keep it from coming out. I also change a little water each week and add liquid fertilizer. My plants grow at a rapid rate. I have water wisteria, echinodorus (a couple of different varieties, java ferns, bacopa, valisnaria, hornwort, pennywort, and a couple that I don't have names for yet. The point is that your plants will do well with sand and fertilizer. They will do even better with the laterite (Flourite) substrate and a grow light. You don't need to use CO2. It is not necessary if you change a little water each week. I bought a couple of good books to get some information. My water is soft and acidic which also helped the plants that I chose. My advice is to read first and choose well.

[Lakea]

Thank you!