What soil is recommended for a bottom of a freshwater aquarium if i want real plants? ?

Question

Somebody told me that sand that any home depot sells is good.

Answer 1

I don't think it really matters too much but make sure you put it in pots & cover the soil or whatever your gonna use with some gravel (same as what you put in the bottom of your tank is fine.

This is because some fish like to dig around a little bit & you don't want your tank to become a mud cloud

Answer 2

I just used gravel and it's working fine for my aponogetons (which are very low maintenance).

But this winter I'm planning to get a larger tank to expand my community and then use the 30 gal for a cichlid tank.

When I do the next community tank I plan on using Fluorite as a substrate (and probably a darker or black variety just to look sharp). From all that I've read and researched it's generally the best substrate to go for a planted aquarium. Just be sure you rinse it well (as you would gravel) before you put it in the aquarium. But I think you should do a little research into using flourite.

And as far as the sand at home depot, I've heard that it's way to fine and gets disturbed too easily stirring up in the water as well as getting into your filter. The general consensus I've heard on sand is to use pool filter sand as it is not as fine and actually works better in cultivating the good bacteria, plus it's cheaper.

I would not use regular soil or potting soil as there are chemicals in it (phosphates and nitrates, etc.) which are beneficial to the plant but are harmful to your fish. The plants get all the nutrients they need from fish waste, aquarium plant fertilizer and a CO2 system (which I don't use for my aponogetons because they don't require it, but is probably required for a more robust and more demanding plant selection).

Answer 3

I reccomend Play Sand which any box mart or Wal Mart sells.  It is a fraction of the price that the aquarium stores are selling their sand for.  

Now there are things to consider when using the cheaper substitute.

1.  Your Aquarium will be cloudy for at least a couple of weeks to as many as 4 weeks as the sand is settled out and fully cleansed from water changes.

2.  You need to actually clean the sand before you put it in the tank.  Their is a lot of gunk, mud and debris that needs to be washed out before adding into the aquarium

The cheaper sand is a great alternative, but it does require some work.  

Answer 4

the sand that home sepot sells is very good and also very cheap so that is a good way to go