I use flourite these days or folks that just seem not to get it, use
the soil + laterite/peat etc.


I like to use morter sand because I collect most of my plants from the wild and
they live in sand in this area or rich sandy mud. I add organics as a thin
layer under the sand. About 1/6 ratio of enriched mix to sand. ie 1" of
enriched mix with a layer of sand 6" deep over it. since I grow cypress trees
in some of my tanks and cattails they seem to need a little more richness than
most other plants. I like the peat idea and I may incorporate it into the mix.
I am getting ready to set up a 150 so I will be able to adjust the mix again
this time around and try to make it better since this tank will likely be set
up for several years. The onyx or flourite I have seen in stores is more of a
gravel than sand. I may use black sand this year if i can justify the expense.
I like black sand with black water fish. the only black sand i can find is a
little more fine than morter sand so i am still thinking it through. No sense
in being hasty when setting up a big tank.

Moon
remove nospam from e-mail to send to me, I grow trees in aquariums like bonsai.
I breed dwarf crayfish, great for planted community tanks. If you can get me a
shovelnose sturgeon fingerling (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) no wild caught
please, contact me