5 Things I Wish I Knew About Substrates for Planted Aquariums

I mostly work with inert (nutrient-free) planted tank substrates, so here's what I've learned so far.

🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links above. Also, I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)

📚 RESOURCES

🦐 EXTRAS

ATTRIBUTION

#girltalksfish #nanofish #plantedaquarium

[MDFishTanks]

Girl talks fish mentioned made it 😁 (thanks for the shout out 👍)

[BentleyPascoe]

Another note for those pesky plants that love to float out of the substrate: let them grow longer roots, bundle the roots together and push them down into the substrate, then drag in a direction where you have room. This forces a line of roots under the soil and pulls the plant's base down into the substrate. This is especially effective in coarser substrates with more depth.

[davidhess]

When putting aquarium coop's root tabs in your tank, put a pin hole in the end of the root tab and it will not float. Makes it MUCH easier.

[kiki-drawer]

Your the most straight forward aquarium owner I know. You make it way easier for me to go off and do my own research about individual topics without feeling overwhelmed

[CommanderWiggins]

The method I use for planting is that I dig a shallow pit, then I plant it in the middle of that pit. Then I push the displaced substrate back into the pit, which purposefully buries the plant too deeply in the substrate. Finally, I gently pull on the plant to bring it up to the right height. This really secures the plant in, and it apparently also positions the roots more naturally. It does involve getting both your arms in the tank but I don't mind.

[GeorgeLeite]

Wish I knew to go deeper with my substrate. Adding more substrate in a fully planted tank is a pain in the backside.

[kaitlynmcrae]

I actually watch MD Fishtanks and other channels you mention that are well developed. But I really appreciate your videos! You make it feel more understandable and achievable for a hobbyist who will have just like 1 or 2 tanks.

For sure I’m wanting to start one tank I bought, but it’s proving to be expensive and confusing.

[vanessaelliott]

Really enjoy your videos. As a 67 yr old grandma who has had aquariums off and on for many years, things change, and I have learned so much from your videos, so I subscribed. Keep up the excellent work, and I will review your previous videos and look forward to the next one! By the way, your children are precious.

[lynnlutz]

I did a LOT of research for what substrate to use for my planted nano tank (15 gal). I chose crushed lava rock for my bottom layer, inert Eco Complete for middle, topped with med course sand. I use root tabs for rooted plants and Easy Green liquid for the floating water column plants. So far quite happy with my results.

[calebtot]

It's very important that I watch this. I have absolutely no plans to ever start an aquarium (I'm just not in a stable life position for it) but I need to understand planted aquarium substrates. Why? You ask. Because it's important!

[theunnecessary]

One common thing i did from the internet is to put normal organic potting mix at the bottom and cap it off with a thicc layer of your cheap substrate. Unless you want algae fun-fest, don't let the soil seep to the water column. It works for me, so might as well share it to other peeps who may not know what a dirted tank is.

[ikanpari]

fishkeeping and aquascaping is really really fun. should've started this hobby many years ago.

[roajf]

Irene, for the carpeting plants I do something similar to MD. I use a drop of crazy glue to attach the grass to a small pebble and wedge it at soil level. ☺️

[amandahamblin]

Tips for planting a hex tank: put on a bathing suit, stand on a chair, plunge half your body in the water while holding the plant with your hand so you can reach the bottom. Make sure you have towels down so you dont drip all over the floor when you come up for air. 😂

[notkerrystolcenberg]

To keep plants down, I put a small rock w an elastic to the roots. It's way easier, and wont mess up dirted tank as much. Less damage to the roots too, dont have to keep smushing them back down

[luhnith]

I've trusted Aquarium Co-Op and Cory for YEARS. Happy to add you to my list of trusted aquarists!

[jackjmaheriii]

I love the “gravel base, sand topper” tip! I find that sand is really good at keeping new plants in place. Also, I definitely use the 2 tweezer tip!

[HewesNews]

Excellent excellent excellent. Thanks Irene. I’m having all those problems with tweezers, roots, and root tabs. I’m afraid to grab the root tabs too hard because they break (happened yesterday). I’m afraid to grab the plant stems too hard with the tweezers because it can cut through the stems. Thanks for giving us permission to just use the ultimate tweezers - our fingers!

[shibibi]

I'm that person using soil from my own compost pile mixed with gravel then topped with something decorative to help keep it all in place.
Definitely reccomend many water changes and time before adding animals if doing this! I think I'll be using the frozen dirt idea in future though! I've always relied on liquid aquarium fertilizer as tabs floating away annoys me.

[donnieloyd]

Always informative 👍 love the shout out to md