can I add this?

**oty6231** · 07-12-2012, 01:19 AM

Can I add a sand and substrate to my tank if it already has water and fish in it? If so how and whats a good substrate for low light plants like Java or Anubis or Amazon sword?

**MandyK** · 07-12-2012, 01:22 AM

Yes you can, but you have to drain the tank, put the fish in an appropriate container with a heater and bubbler, take out the old substrate, put in the new, and refill.

For my plants I used Flourite Black Sand as recommended by Lady Hobbs.

**escamosa** · 07-12-2012, 02:02 AM

If you choose to have Java Fern, grab some driftwood or rocks to attach it to. It enjoys its roots being free from the substrate.

**Goes to 11!** · 07-12-2012, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by oty6231

Can I add a sand and substrate to my tank if it already has water and fish in it? If so how and whats a good substrate for low light plants like Java or Anubis or Amazon sword?

Sand AND substrate?

Since sand is a substrate I am assuming you intend to cap some plant substrate with sand.

You should be aware that the smaller particles of the sand will eventually end up underneath any larger grained substrate, They migrate.

**luv2sk8te17** · 07-14-2012, 04:22 PM

sand is an awesome substrate. gravel looks so tacky to me now. depending on the color of substrate you want, sands can vary from pool filter sand to black diamond sandblasting media(what i use). sand imo seems to let the roots grow through the grain better than gravel.