Plants for Profit: Substrate Basics

A simple tutorial on substrates for planted tanks. Learn about identifying your tank's needs and which substrates to look at based on your plants and how they absorb nutrients.

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[CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

The only thing better than an experienced fish keeper, is an experienced fish keeper that shares there experience. Good stuff. Thanks.

[simonpidgeon]

It’s good to know I can mix substrate, as I’ve been sticking to just one 💯👍👍

[pugamusmaximus]

I wish i watched before i set my tanks up. Great series

[kimfischer]

Thanks for the info! I love the more than one substrate ideas....

[elr]

This was very helpful. I’d love a video comparing the most common substrates and their pros and cons.

[Max]

Thank you Mr. Pascoe! I was just in process of deciding what to use in my 90 gallon very timely!

[thomasbondi]

Good morning Bentley, I have an African Cicled planted tank and it's doing surprisingly well. I want to start another one but I would like to use a substrate instead of gravel this time. Eco complete makes a cychlid version but I don't think it would help the plants? If not, would you have any recommendations?
Thank you

[woodworkerroyer]

What do you think if Father Fish's sand capped dirted tank method?

The way he explained it, is basically a walstad tank, but with lots of additives so the plants have more nutrients for the first year. Then the natural breaking down of waste adds any ferts back into the soil that the plants need.
Is that a good method, or should I go with caribsea flourimax? Looking for a CHEAP option for a 10g guppy growout/plants for profit tank.

[sekharly]

When people say soil breaks down. If ecosoil is layered with stratum, does it become mud and it need to be replaced?

[mariescritterscrafts]

I have Eco complete for a new tank I'm setting up, but it's very rough & sharp for the Cory's that will be in there. What type of black substrate can I use as a top layer that is smooth besides the painted rocks? And if I mix the crushed coral in the bottom layer with Eco complete will it still have the effect on the water column or is it going to be too far down in the substrate? Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!

[catfishcave]

When do you use Eco complete red vs black?

[andysfishden]

I have been using a mixed substrate of fluval stratum and eco complete in my planted tanks. I figured with the different granule sizes and also like the stratum lowering the pH since I have hard well water, and since the stratum is light weight I think the Eco complete helps with keeping plants down in the substrate

[mangala]

Two of my tanks with the thickest substrate (super mixed, many types of substrate).

I am trying to get some low-growing root feeders going in there to help, as well as Malaysian trumpet snails to stir... am I going in the right direction?

[E]

Whats the best way to get stem plants to stay rooted with fish in the tank

[Tigerbombf]

Mixed substrate as in typically how it's done with potted plants, is that correct?

I'm thinking of mixing the substrate because my fish like to dig up the substrate which means my layered substrate ends up getting mixed anyway.

Another question - can I use black lava gravel? They're about 2-3mm in size and I noticed somehow these will break down into finer particles

[philquezzy]

What makes CEC so high in the name brand substrates? I learned in a soils class that clay size particles and organic matter have the highest CEC but typically the substrates are very large particles. Are they porous adding to the surface area or something?

[AT-zthz]

If you had to suggest one plant for profit for a beginner what would be ??
Any plant requiring less hassle and grows fast at the same time ??

[sekharly]

I had problems uprooting carpeting plants. What substrate would you recommend?

[simonpidgeon]

How would I go about using sand, for planting in, as I’ve been told it can create gas pockets, is this true .

[Bryancstephan]

How important is it to keep fish in your plants for profit tank? Could I skip the fish in tanks growing stem plants that get nutrients from the water column? Maybe just pour in water from water changes on a weekly basis to replenish the nutrients that my liquid fertilizer does not?