Base Fertilizers Suggestions

[drew85]

Hi,

I am currently using Taikong clay-gravel like substrate. Wonder if anyone has seen it before. It does not have any fertilization in it, but on the packet, it claims that it is able to purify the water.

Anyhow, I was wondering what to do with it. I was thinking of scooping it out, and adding base fert. Perhaps give Denerle's Dupont a try, or use those conventional JBL, ocean free base fert. Perhaps, I might use root monster, or tetra's initial sticks, or even liquid fert.

I'd like to know your opinions on this, since I am relatively new to this hobby.
Also, doesn anyone own a Paladrium?

[bclee]

First, you need to decide what type of planted tank you are going for. Will it be a CO2 enriched "high tech" tank? Or is it going to be a non-CO2 enriched "low-tech" tank?

For a CO2 enriched and high light tank (> 2.5~3 wpg), substrate is not so critical. You can even do without base fert.

For a non-CO2/low light tank, you are going to need a good soil substrate top with gravel.

BC

[drew85]

Well, I plan to use Nutrafin CO2 by Hagen, since it comes with the diffusor, and the canister can be reused by DIY method (sugar+yeast).

But, I'd like a good reccomendation regarding soil fertilisers. It's somthing permanent, a tad messy to redo/change anything.

Also, I'd appreciate if you can reccomend some good aquascaping references. I prefer to work with stones than driftwood.

[bclee]

How big is your tank? What lights do you have?

You can start off with this: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/phpBB...ic.php?t=17180

BC