Base Fert + Gravel: Is this overkill?

[renrub]

I'm going add my base fert and gravel to my 3x1.5x2 feet tank soon. Before i add, please tell me if i shdn't add any of the following items.

BOTTOM MOST LAYER:

VOLCANIC POTTING MIX (x3 pkts)
JBL AQUABASIS FERT (x2 pkts)
ADA POWERSAND "M" SIZE (x1 pkt)
ADA AQUASOIL AMAZONIA (x3 pkts)

Going add the whole lot together tonight, so please advise. Reason for adding so much is to make my base fert + gravel layer high (hope to reach around 5-6cm).

[hwchoy]

I don't see any gravel! if you are going to put in potting mix and JBL you will need at least 1-inch thick layer of gravel (such as Lonestar) to keep the base fert down, because it will cloud the water, unlike ADA Aquasoil which does not (actually it will, slightly) cloud the water.

[hwchoy]

btW your base fert should be around 5-10cm and gravel 3-4cm. You might be able to use the Powersand as grave (never tried before myself) but not sure one packet is enough. To achieve 3cm you will need 16 litres (by volume) of gravel, seriously doubt.

[wks]

Better not to put in potting mix as the plants' roots will rot due to lack of oxygen. IMO, the 2 possible options of your substrate should: a)powersand(bottom),ADA aquasoil(top) OR b)JBL(bottom),ADA aquasoil(top).

[hwchoy]

No, Aquasoil will not be able to hold the JBL down.

[hmph]

if the aquasoil is thick enough.....should be fine in holding back the jbl.

[wks]

Choy, I used JBL/Dennerle base fertiliser covered by ADA aquasoil in my 3ft tank. So far everything is OK.

[hwchoy]

I am surprised, the Aquasoil I have is so light and the gap in between is quite big.

but actually do you really need aquasoil with base fert? lonestar will do fine unless too much $$ [:]

[wks]

I just want to try out ADA aquasoil(I used 3 bags). Anyway, I will be moving after 3 years and when that time comes, I just dump away the soil. If I use gravels, I need to wash again and I hate doing it.[]

[hwchoy]

gravel also can dump mah dump to those people waiting for freebies.

[benetay]

It can be done, using ADA aquasoil and JBL base fert. So far i have no problems too. 8 months.

If the aquasoil is thick enough there will be no problems. Don't keep stirring up the plants and there will be nothing of NH4 or No2 poisoning.