Top 5 Best Planted Tank Substrates for Live Plants

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  • Опубліковано 20 лип 2024
  • The best substrates for a planted aquarium are ones with nutrients for plants to feed on. A lot of the normal substrates that people keep in aquariums like sand or gravel don’t have any nutrients for plants. It’s important to be aware of which substrates have nutrients for plants.
    One of the best substrates for planted aquariums is Fluval stratum. It consists of small encapsulated balls of soil. The roots of the plants can feed on the nutrients through the gel capsule. This substrate for plants had been a staple to the aquarium hobby for quite some time. It is a solid choice when setting up a planted aquarium.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 77

  • @PalmerAquatics
    @PalmerAquatics  Місяць тому

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  • @stephensnyder1334
    @stephensnyder1334 8 місяців тому +21

    I think it’s always a good idea to cap your soil with sand. I think it looks better plus it locks the nutrients down to prevent algae. It also gives you more depth for planting without having to use so much soil. Cap your fluval stratum people 👍🏻

    • @FamFon1
      @FamFon1 7 місяців тому +2

      Can you use any sand??

    • @reymundorodriguezg
      @reymundorodriguezg 7 місяців тому +5

      Hell no. Stratum works best uncapped. If you have algae problems, you don’t have enough plants or you have to much light

    • @rdred8693
      @rdred8693 3 місяці тому +2

      @@FamFon1 Use all purpose sand or pool filter sand, and rinse it well.
      Don't use play sand. It is far too fine.

    • @taherpartapuri2484
      @taherpartapuri2484 2 місяці тому

      I used aquasoil and topped it off with aquarium sand. All my plants melted. Bought new plants, melted again. After a while the soil and sand have mixed for a black and white color. I finally gave up and covered it with an artificial grass carpet and used artificial plants.

  • @dfisherii
    @dfisherii 11 годин тому

    Straight to the point! Great video & thanks for the tips!

  • @Awakendabeast13
    @Awakendabeast13 4 місяці тому +1

    Omg this is awesome this is exactly the video i needed you are great thanks

  • @scottywelsh18
    @scottywelsh18 6 місяців тому +1

    I've always used seachem as the base and a thick layer of fluval on top. It always does really good to be fair.

  • @iainaquariumagic
    @iainaquariumagic 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Great channel 👏

  • @vilasyang
    @vilasyang 3 місяці тому

    Great research. Thank you for sharing

  • @AlexHuntercreativememory
    @AlexHuntercreativememory 4 дні тому

    I was literally about to ask "Can you mix some of these" and then got to your #1 😂

  • @J.Olivers_Guppies-Aquatics
    @J.Olivers_Guppies-Aquatics 5 місяців тому

    I really enjoy your content!

  • @MacTX
    @MacTX 8 місяців тому +3

    When I did organic soil, I had a lot of plant growth upfront at the start which gradually just slowed as nutrients became depleted after a few years. The dirt setup didn't really allow waste to go down into the substrate and replenish the nutrients as they were being used and over time just became more trouble than it was worth.
    Eco-complete was the opposite, barely any nutrient up front but lots of nutrients once the tank was well established (between year 1 and year 2 for mine) and the amount of available nutrients doesn't seem to be going away. The substrate is coarse enough that food and other organics easily gets deep down into the substrate and rots/decays away and becomes fertilizer that feeds the roots. It's almost the perfect substrate if you can deal with that first couple years of basically little to no growth. Also, the worse part of Eco-complete is the roughness. New plants seem to have a harder time spreading their roots through the material.
    Cost was why I never tried Fluval Stratum.

  • @gmansworld123
    @gmansworld123 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the tips! Im new and looking at all the bags of substrate just scratching my head. Can I mix some sand in with stratum and eko complete?

  • @edpereira1908
    @edpereira1908 8 місяців тому +1

    Glad to see you back making videos even though they are voiceover clips from your prior videos.

  • @lastdays7855
    @lastdays7855 8 місяців тому +2

    Your place is so beautiful 🤩

  • @onlywei
    @onlywei 8 місяців тому +2

    I'm really curious have you tried having an undergravel plenum and used Safe-T-Sorb as your substrate? What were the results?

  • @user-os7vm5wp3q
    @user-os7vm5wp3q 8 місяців тому

    Luv the videos 😍😍😍😍😍 can you do some more plant videos for house plants

  • @TheMeanBean8787
    @TheMeanBean8787 8 місяців тому

    Semi-Newbie fish keeper over here,
    I have a 40g community tank with an undergravel mated to a fluval 205, the current substrate I have is very large gravel (like backyard type gravel), which I believe is the primary reason why my plants aren't doing as best as they probably should. I've been thinking about different substrates that would make my plants do better, but I also don't want to completely ditch my undergravel system, so basically I'm looking for substrates that won't turn into muck and clog everything up). Do you have any suggestions?

  • @ALvatar3
    @ALvatar3 6 місяців тому +1

    Do organic potting soil tanks last long? I heard without extra ingredients they are done in a year? Ty

  • @bryconator1021
    @bryconator1021 4 місяці тому

    Would mixing the stratum and the lava rock one be a good idea?

  • @melisayoungs6046
    @melisayoungs6046 4 місяці тому

    I am gonna be doing two bags of organic potting soil then coconut Peet then aquarium gravel on top, thoughts??

  • @siouxnami90
    @siouxnami90 7 місяців тому

    I was thinking about doing BDBS and fluorite black trying to make a substrate lasagna mix. Trying to find out other people’s opinion on that mix so their isn’t any pockets that form or anything.

  • @jesso4952
    @jesso4952 6 місяців тому

    A while ago, I decided to upgrade from a simple, bitter tank to plants, but I faced a problem with the aqua soy that spewed sand, so I got up and dried it, and then when I put it in the tank with some plants, the water stung, so I turned on the filter now. Is this normal? + Ammonia in the tank: 1 on the strip for the test

  • @moose6444
    @moose6444 Місяць тому

    I have a 210 gal can you tell me how much i need of each bag for the mix please? And what potting soil did you use and does it release alot of amonia?

  • @Ventosis
    @Ventosis 2 місяці тому +2

    I always do Eco Complete with root tabs. Fluval Stratum messes up the water chemistry and is terrible for neocaridna shrimp because it eats all the carbonates in the water.

    • @nhitc6832
      @nhitc6832 2 місяці тому +1

      My plants are doing pooy in Fluval Stratum. But in my other tank with potting soil capped with eco-complete, plants are thriving.

  • @ToxTx605
    @ToxTx605 4 місяці тому

    How often would you have to change out a fluval stratum?

  • @jessicavastola7907
    @jessicavastola7907 5 місяців тому

    Could I add the fluval to an already existing, established, gravel tank with two female guppies and some plants? If so, how?

  • @carlossalinas6234
    @carlossalinas6234 14 днів тому

    So yeah nutrient rich, but which is easier for planting? I’ve tried flourite and the plant roots just don’t anchor, they keep getting dug out.

  • @TheMenri
    @TheMenri 4 місяці тому

    Can we get the Lasagna recipe? Also how come Samurai Soil is linked but not discussed? Is it used in the Lasagna?

  • @alygroup2010
    @alygroup2010 3 місяці тому

    I need help. So I set up my 125 gal fresh water tank with driftwood and rocks and fluval stratum.
    I moved all my plants into the 125 from the 75 gal which were doing amazing. While they were in the 75, they were planted in gravel and I fertilized them with root tabs.
    After a week in the 125, they are melting and I am getting a milky slam on the driftwood. I have been adding excel and stability. I understand the tank needs to be cycled. But I thought loading it with plants it would be ok. What am I missing?

    • @iioru1829
      @iioru1829 3 місяці тому

      I’m still new, but i know enough that melting means they’re dying because of something. It could be from lightning, or lack of nutrients. You could ask the question in a subreddit about planted aquariums, they’re always helpful!

  • @Darrian4719
    @Darrian4719 5 місяців тому

    Okay so, dumb questions here, but I'm new to this, I have coloured gravel in my tank, 1st question is can I plant in that? If not question 2 can I add a substrate and then replace the gravel on top of it? If so what would be the best option? Litteraly looking for guidance here

    • @iioru1829
      @iioru1829 3 місяці тому

      Im a semi beginner too, but I’ve had gravel too. It honestly depends on the plant. Some plants will do much better in those environments than others. I would recommend looking into plants that do well in gravel, and then trying it out!

  • @whitewolf5886
    @whitewolf5886 7 місяців тому +1

    It would be too crazy to place a bottom layer of small pumice stones, and on top of this use a mix of gravel with nutrients + fluval stratum, and cover it with fine volcanic gravel for the top aesthetic finish 🤔
    (it will be like: 1-2kg of pumice stones + 8kg stratum + 3kg of gravel with nutrients + 8kg of fine volcanic gravel).
    i have a new 38gal tank (80long x 45 high x 40 width), come from having a 13 gallon tank.
    ill pass my 2 garra flavatras to that 38gal, and planning to add another 3 so that a group can be formed.

  • @86Kera
    @86Kera 2 місяці тому

    Hi . Can I cap the fluval stratum with sand for a more aesthetic look ?

  • @onlywei
    @onlywei 8 місяців тому +3

    Seachem Flourite is basically just as expensive as Fluval Stratum.

  • @Helpfulsuggestions
    @Helpfulsuggestions 4 місяці тому +1

    I think the reason why the number one is the number one is because each manufacturer cannot copy the other manufacturer. Therefore, a variety of every manufacturer makes the perfect product, but because each manufacturer has their own blend there are some nutrients that are left out.

  • @Helpfulsuggestions
    @Helpfulsuggestions 4 місяці тому

    Have you ever thought of using fugal stratum with a covering of sand?

  • @mcaquatics3143
    @mcaquatics3143 8 місяців тому +1

    Ive had the best luck growing plants was echo complete capped with blasting sand

  • @brmanion
    @brmanion 8 місяців тому +1

    For the lasagna choice are you layering or mixing the substrates ?

    • @PalmerAquatics
      @PalmerAquatics  8 місяців тому +1

      Mixing

    • @meadowyck
      @meadowyck 14 днів тому

      @@PalmerAquaticswhat % on your mixture of each substrates please

  • @jay-remedy-plz
    @jay-remedy-plz 8 місяців тому +1

    I did the same. Stratum mixed with a bit of Eco Complete and Flourite.
    The Stratum looks too fake, so I just wanted to combine them for aesthetics.

    • @zachnetluch5722
      @zachnetluch5722 8 місяців тому

      How did it work for you?

    • @jay-remedy-plz
      @jay-remedy-plz 8 місяців тому +2

      ⁠@@zachnetluch5722I’m happy with it. If I had a bunch of tanks I wouldn’t spend that money but it’s my main setup, 4 ft long. I use a powerhead too so I avoided sand and I wanted darker colors. After dialing in the light I found out jungle Val loves it and I threw in Anubias. I mostly wanted to have a hill stream kinda look.

  • @luminousblue
    @luminousblue 5 місяців тому

    You're EXACTLY LIKE ME in a very uncommon way! Thanks for doing the heavy lifting. I am going to watch more videos after this.

  • @matthewmaclaren926
    @matthewmaclaren926 17 днів тому

    hey man, is it okay to use soil as a base and then put gravel on top of it for decoration?

    • @annataymond9529
      @annataymond9529 2 дні тому

      I’ve done this successfully with aqua soil, I haven’t tried it with fluval stratum though.

  • @ThePleoni
    @ThePleoni 4 місяці тому

    would you still recommend a layer of inert sand on the lasagna layer?

    • @rdred8693
      @rdred8693 3 місяці тому

      I would. It would tie everything together.

  • @keithtrestrail5003
    @keithtrestrail5003 5 місяців тому

    What about tropica.

  • @phillyphilly14
    @phillyphilly14 5 місяців тому +1

    Can you put Sand on top of fluval substrate

    • @PalmerAquatics
      @PalmerAquatics  5 місяців тому +1

      No. It will fall right through it. Theres no need to either. Trust the stratum by itself 🙏

  • @Doomagheddon
    @Doomagheddon 8 місяців тому +1

    The mixture causes root spread. The sand/dirt/rock mixture allows nutrients to flow and settle into it and roots to move more easily.

  • @harimramos7020
    @harimramos7020 6 місяців тому

    Anyone here has a feedback for brightwell??

  • @sharkeyes
    @sharkeyes 2 місяці тому +1

    What about actual aquatic soil that you use in ponds ?

  • @Dall5000
    @Dall5000 8 місяців тому +3

    You used way too much soil in the walsted one. Try only one inch of potting soil next time. It should go right up to the rim.

    • @CartelFund
      @CartelFund 6 місяців тому +1

      Deeper the soil the better

  • @dallasbrat81
    @dallasbrat81 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the post. Yes, I agree. Lasagna is the best substrate.

  • @mimiaqua423
    @mimiaqua423 8 місяців тому +1

    Personally I like UNS controsoil

  • @Crunchymom
    @Crunchymom 5 місяців тому

    I cap my fluval

  • @rebeccachlorisa6958
    @rebeccachlorisa6958 Місяць тому

    Video link on how to make the lasagna? Ratios?

  • @LushSaltyAquariums
    @LushSaltyAquariums 8 місяців тому +1

    Who doesn't love Lasagna?

  • @peterdelac
    @peterdelac 4 місяці тому

    Advertising the last product

  • @dallasbrat81
    @dallasbrat81 7 місяців тому

    I’m leaning towards lasagna substrate

  • @gra4279
    @gra4279 2 місяці тому +1

    This video kept getting more expensive. How much does the lasagna cost to make?

  • @kandukurumahesh3609
    @kandukurumahesh3609 5 місяців тому

    Yeah.... One piece

  • @darianrodriguez754
    @darianrodriguez754 8 місяців тому

    First

  • @herbeenc8042
    @herbeenc8042 8 місяців тому +3

    Fish poop!!!

  • @peterdelac
    @peterdelac 4 місяці тому

    Is this a paid video to expose number 1

  • @sharonkaczorowski8690
    @sharonkaczorowski8690 5 місяців тому

    How do Pygmy corydoras do with Fluval Stratum…do they need a sand cap?

    • @Ray-man72
      @Ray-man72 Місяць тому

      My Peppered Cory's love foraging though the Fluval stratum. It doesn't seem to hurt their barbs at all. I think it would fine for your pigmys as well.