Good Nutritious Substrate

I want to rescape and do a proper planted jobbie on my 200l, and I'm looking for a good substrate that isn't going to cost the world (I'll need a lot) but will be able to give my plants the nutrition that they need. I would just want a layer to go under some cheap riversand/filter sand. I've heard talk of coconut husk and clay being used as a base? I'm sure ther is lots on here about it, if someone could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated. Thanks, gabriel

 

check this out

http://www.apsa.co.za/board/index.php?topic=3346.0

 

Shot Dolphin

 

Great article, especially the link about mineralized substrates. I'm thinking of doing it myself now. Thanks a lot!

 

Would "river sand" from a nursery affect the chemistry of my water...?

And does anyone know where I could get some dolomite or some muriate of potash, or other additives for a good substrate..?

 

Gaawie, I think if you wash it properly it'll be ok. Rather check with someone knowledgable on this though. I dunno what you wanna spend, but I believe Panorama has a great substrate. I'm not 100% sure what it is as my bf found out about it yesterday. It sounds expensive though.

 

Going there today Linxie. It most probably is very expensive...

 

200 odd for about a half a 5l paint tin

 

Wow, ok then.... And Panorama is one of the cheapest spots....

 

just get some canadian peat, some potting soil and maybe some fluorite and vermiculite, get it moist, press down firmly on aquarium base and cover with pool filter sand or what ever fine substrate you want to use. Remeber to fill the tank slowly so that you dont disturb the peat mixture... very cheap and most plants seem to enjoy it alot