Is sand needed?

[Sturgeon]

Hi bros,
Wanting to go get my supplies today as my tank has arrived
Just wondering is sand needed over the nutrient rich substrate? I read somewhere that having a layer of sand over the substrate sort of prevents nutrients leaking from the substrate into the water and helps prevent algae...
On the other hand I like the look of having a dark colored substrate (so don't want to put sand)...
(tank 4x1.5x1.5, trying to have a planted tank with CO2 btw)

Appreciate any help from the gurus here..

[Sharkfin]

Bro, for my planted tank, i used only ADA Amazonia New subtrate. If i had known, i would have put a layer of sand on top, cos it would make planting slightly easier. It's not a must but it helps a bit. Of course, you should get the sand of a same colour to yout subtrate, else its going to look weird. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Shadow]

I read somewhere that having a layer of sand over the substrate sort of prevents nutrients leaking from the substrate into the water and helps prevent algae...

Let put it this way, if it is true that it prevents nutrients from leaking, that mean there is lack of circulation in the substrate, that mean the substrate become anaerobic. Thus you create more problem.

Secondly to prevent nutrients from leaking, you need substantial amount of sand, thus those plant with small root like HC will have problem.

[jemswira]

It also depends on the livestock you're getting. Some fish prefer a sandy substrate over others.

[felix_fx2]

Covering with sand is not to prevent nutrients from leaking but prevent substrate easily stir up a mud cloud.

For aquasoil, only if your fauna likes/require then yes, Else no.

If where you saw it from is what I think. That bro mixed wastland and a normal setup together.

[Sturgeon]

Thanks guys... Really appreciate this. Deciding to go with only substrate, will upload pics when set up