For the base, Flourite Plant Substrate combined with sand / small gravel
(about a 50/50 mixture). This will be layered to about 2 inches in depth.
On top of this will be a layer of fine sandblasting sand (hopefully I can
find black).. about an inch in depth. Can anyone offer any suggestions for
improvements?

Why not use 100% Flourite? It would be a bit more expensive to use all
Flourite, but it's worth it. You'll never have to worry about the substrate
again, and will be able to replant/rearrange your tank whenever you want,
without having to worry about messing up a layered substrate.

Flourite, IMO, is the best substrate there is for a beginner.


Leigh

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/halloween/881/