play sand or gravel for plants?

**Mith** · 08-21-2009, 05:58 AM

I REALLY want sand, but I also really want plants eventually. Which substrate is better for growing plants? I'm going to be making a decision here real soon!

**korith** · 08-21-2009, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by Mith

I REALLY want sand, but I also really want plants eventually. Which substrate is better for growing plants? I'm going to be making a decision here real soon!

Depends on the plants. Sometimes the sand can get compacted, which isn't good for root feeders. Then again neither gravel nor sand provide any nutrients for plants either. Should be able to get away with either one, fertilizers should help.

**Mith** · 08-21-2009, 06:50 AM

I was speculating that since plants eat poo....it would be easier for poo to reach the roots with a courser substrate....and as you say, sand will compact.

Dam, I hate decisions! LOL. I SO love the look of sand though....sigh

**DrNic** · 08-21-2009, 02:51 PM

I've seen people use sand/gravel mixes. If you have a good home/garden center in your area you might also be able to get larger grain sands. Overall though if you look around the forum you'll see a LOT of people who use sand with live plants.

**jackson17** · 08-21-2009, 02:53 PM

I have play sand with my live plants. Works great. Only down side, the bichir moves around what he wants lol. Its fun to watch the parrot fish dig down to the glass and spit the sand around at the other fish that go near HIS corner.

I like sand. It gives it a natural look.

**MonkeyPox** · 08-21-2009, 02:55 PM

Why not use planted sand as a substrate? Seachem makes a black Flourite sand that I love.

**Aeonflame** · 08-21-2009, 08:01 PM

In my experience, most plants dont seem to root in gravel as well as they do in sand. Then again, I use pool filter sand and I havn't had any problems with it compacting. Also, root tabs work better in sand as the nutrients generally will not leech into the water collumn as much as it will in gravel.