Sand Bed (JBL AquaBasis with Lapis)

**solonavi** · 21st Dec 2005, 11:07

Hi Guys,

As I've not been doing much LFSing yet, will like to get some advise on where can I get the JBL AquaBAsis And Lapis? If possible, a price guage will be gd cos I'm having a 5.5ft tank.

Also, I read that its advisable to add "root monster"? How does it look like? Is it neccessary?

Thanks in advance.
JC

**juggler** · 21st Dec 2005, 11:37

If you are using the JBL Aquabasis, then there's no need to use the Root Monsters.

You can get the JBL and Lapis from Gan's Aquarium. Nature Aquarium (NA) should have them too. Can check out PetMart as well.

NA and C328 has the Root Monsters if you need.

**mordrake** · 21st Dec 2005, 11:38

jbl followed by lapis would suffice. root monsters can be added after some months (usually>9-12) if you feel that the base fert is exhausted.

good place to get both will be Nature Aquarium

**bossteck** · 21st Dec 2005, 13:07

Hi,

5.5 ft tank, no joke man! Assuming you want a 3 inch substrate, you're looking at perhaps 5 packs of lapis sand, and maybe 2 packs of base fert. If I were you, i would be more concerned about ease of transport rather than prices. The prices won't differ by a lot anyway. Besides, you buying so many at one go, sure to get discount anyway.

Can go NA lor, since carpark is just behind. Kingfisher also a good choice, since you can park at the road side and get the boss to help you carry keke.

Like mentioned, you only need to add root monster after the base fert has more or less been depleted (9mths-1yr later)

Better bring a trolley.

Happy planting!

**solonavi** · 21st Dec 2005, 14:45

Thanks all. Have been of great help.

Hmm...Kingfisher? Are they at this add?
76 lorong 27 Geylang Singapore 388194 (next to aljunied MRT)
Tel: 6841 6816
Closed on Mondays

Thanks
JC

**bossteck** · 21st Dec 2005, 14:51

Yup, that's the addr for Kingfiser.

**solonavi** · 21st Dec 2005, 14:56

One more things to seek advise. What is the common practise for the thickness of the base fert & gravel. Is it 1" for base fert and 3" for gravel ok?

Thanks
JC

**brianclaw** · 21st Dec 2005, 16:20

Good question... mind if I join in on this? I've been told to do a 50/50 mix of base fert and substrate and to top that off with about 2 inches of unmixed substrate. True/false?

**bossteck** · 21st Dec 2005, 19:29

It's quite a hassle to have to mix base fert and gravel isn't it?

When I set up a new tank. I placed about half an inch of gravel, base fert slightly less than half an inch (coz unwilling to spend too much), followed by gravel topping up to make up 3 inches.

I think the thickness of the substrate depends on what sort of plants you intend to keep. If you have plants which you expect to grow quite big, generally, you can expect them to have roots that will go deeper, so should prepare for thicker substrate.

A note about mixing base fert and gravel:

I did this, not intentionally but because I thought I have successfully resealed my old tank, i added the new packet of base fert and old gravel (washed) as per the method mentioned above, the tank leak, no choice drain out all water, bought a new tank, by now the fert and gravel is mixed up already. Set up the new tank by adding the fert/gravel mixture and top up with gravel. So far, don't really see a difference in terms of plant growth.

I think the main thing is not to let the base fert sit right at the bottom of the tank as not all the roots can grow to reach it in the initial stages (first 2 months?)

Anyone else have different practice?

**michael lai** · 21st Dec 2005, 21:01

Originally Posted by brianclaw

Good question... mind if I join in on this? I've been told to do a 50/50 mix of base fert and substrate and to top that off with about 2 inches of unmixed substrate. True/false?

Hi Brian,
Can't answer that but I found that if I mix the fert and substrate 50/50 then followed by the substrate. Tendency of the ferts leaking into the water when filling up is much lower. And when you pull the plants out to rescape, there is lesser stuff coming out of the substrate. Just an observation hope it helps.

**brianclaw** · 21st Dec 2005, 23:35

Thanks, Michael.

**solonavi** · 22nd Dec 2005, 09:26

Thanks bossteck & Michael. Can I make a conclusion that a total thickness of 3 - 4" is generally sufficient?

Btw, anyone knows of any of the LFS is open on Christmas eve? Thinking of going to NA & Teo's farm.

Cheers
JC

**michael lai** · 22nd Dec 2005, 09:34

Originally Posted by solonavi

Thanks bossteck & Michael. Can I make a conclusion that a total thickness of 3 - 4" is generally sufficient?

Btw, anyone knows of any of the LFS is open on Christmas eve? Thinking of going to NA & Teo's farm.

Cheers
JC

Yes JC, on most occasions. Cn't really see the need for anything more than 4".