will fine carsal gravel work?

[Mike]

i have some really fine carsal gravel in my tank that kinda looks like sand and i was wondering if my plants would be able to live with it or will it need a good substrate? if this doesn't work can i just use some type of fertilizer tablets only to help them get at least some nutrients?
~~Mike

 

[fishbone]

fertilizers should be fine

The nutrients come from decaying plants and fish waste so you don’t need special sand for the plants. Somewhere I’ve read that fine sand might be better for the plants to root in but they should do well in any sand I would say.

 

[Wonderwoman]

it depends on your plants; some get nutrients from mainly the water, and some from their roots. then again, fertilizer tablets wouldn't hurt

the problem with fine sand is that, in water, it tends to pack down really tight. this can make it hard for some plants to push their roots through. however, as with any rule, there are always exceptions...i've seen quite a few beautiful planted tanks w/ sand substrate.

give it a try, see what happens, it just might work out

 

[Mike]

k thnx
~~Mike