Substrate - Buoyant plants ?

Hi,

So I'm starting on a clean slate - so my question relates to soil/substrate !

I still have this left over from learning on my Spec 5 tank - but I've noticed with with the first tank the plants are very buoyant I either didn't put them in correctly, but these floated up when I just looked at it and it was really tough to replant.

Do you think the granule size played a role ?
Can you mix substrates ?
Is there something that 'should' be used?

Also, do all substrates leach ammonia ?

https://www.jungleaquatics.net/onli...7BSz-g7PHrIC1kufxvJtKn9Bzod5F9hYaAgIsEALw_wcB

 

Erk

As with ADA Aquasoil, Langa releases ammonia during the first few weeks of use (+-3 to 6 weeks). It is therefore critical that shrimp are not introduced until the the tank is cycled sufficiently in order to avoid loss of livestock.

I've just added a shrimp yesterday ! I didn't know it was so long ... I'm only at 3 weeks tomorrow

 

It depends on the plants - most of them can do just fine with being planted a little deeper than you think. What can also help a bit is to dig a small hole in the substrate, plant, then scoop substrate back over it. Otherwise, if that isn't working, find some small rocks/pebbles to place over the root system and leave it there for a few weeks. Once the roots have grown in a little, you can gradually take the pebbles off. I've also found aquascaping tweezers make a massive difference. No more butter fingers ruining everything.

To answer your questions:
Granule size - this can play a part, but some aquasoils are definitely denser than others. I found Langa much easier to plant in than Prodibio, as the Prodibio is super light and almost fluffy.
Mix substrates - definitely, but within reason. Mixing Amazonia, Langa, Prodibio, Seachem Flourite will be totally fine, but some products are a "base layer" substrate, which means they shouldn't have any direct contact with the water column. This is stuff like ADA Power Sand, dirt for dirted tanks, Tropica Substrate.
Should be used - this is down to personal preference. Langa works well and is a great budget option.
Ammonia - pretty much all aquasoils leach ammonia. The substrates that don't are usually inert and have no nutrient value, like gravel and sand.