I use a layer of sand mixed with laterite then gravel on top. I use the
river sand that the sell in tubes for traction in the winter. They sell it
at home Depot in 70 pound tubes for around two dollars. I mix laterite with
that and cover it with an inch or two of gravel. The gravel holds the
plants in place and the roots really grow in the sand.
"Dave Millman" wrote in message
...
redled wrote:

I'm setting up my 55g planted tank right now, and I was planning on
using 2-3"
of Profile with laterite mixed in (or should I use laterite balls next
to
plants?) and about 1" of coarse sand on top. Is the sand needed to keep
plants down, or should I just use the Profile? I'm worried that it will
be
hard to vacuum the gravel should I need to without the sand sinking to
the
bottom of the substrate.

One of the things I never regret is my decision to use Flourite substrate
a year
ago (after a bumbling newbie failure with soil and gravel). The only
complaint you
ever hear from Flourite users is the price.

Anyone have experience with this? PS the tank will
have 160W of flouro. lighting and DIY CO2 injection. Any other pointers
before I set it all up... How does everyone else plant the tank? Is it
better to plant in shallow water, then fill 'er up, or plant after?
Thanks in
advance.

We just watched the video of Amano at the 2001 AGA convention at our
planted tank
study group 2 weeks ago. He does most of his planting in either damp soil
or an
inch or two of water. That's how I'll do it next time.