Do you need special substrate for aquarium plants?

You also have to provide substrate at the proper depth for your aquarium plants. … If they are planted in the substrate that is not deep enough, the roots will become entangled and the aquarium plants will suffer from a lack of nutrients. The deep-rooted plants need at least a 6 cm deep substrate (2 to 3 inches).

What substrate should I use for aquarium plants?

Aquarium soil, such as UNS Controsoil or Aquario NEO Soil, is typically a clay-based substrate full of nutrients that excel plant growth. It is the best substrate for aquarium plants and a must-have for a high-tech planted tank.

Do aquatic plants need special substrate?

Plants that require a deep substrate layer

And finally, deep rooting aquarium plants such as Cryptocoryne Wendtii. The Cryptocoryne species are known simply as “Crypts”. These aquarium plants will need substrate of at least 2 and a half inches in depth.

Can you grow aquarium plants without substrate?

Java Moss is a very popular aquarium plant that doesn’t need substrate. … You can attach the plant to most aquarium decorations, including (but not limited to) rocks and driftwood. If you are interested in Aquascaping, then Java Moss can make beautiful moss walls and carpets.

Can aquarium plants grow in just gravel?

But first, the short answer to the question is Yes, you can grow aquarium plants in gravel, both in new and established tanks. All you need is fish safe pond rocks, rubber bands, and your plants. To plant, attach your plant to the fish safe-rock using a rubber band slightly above the roots.

Do live aquarium plants need soil?

It is not necessary to have a soil substrate to keep live aquarium plants in your tank. You can keep most of the aquarium plants without soil substrate. You can plant the plants in sand or gravel substrate. Also, you can keep live aquarium plants without any substrate!

Can I use normal soil for aquarium?

The answer depends on which kind of soil you decide to use. Chances are, if you use soil taken directly from your garden and placed in the tank, you can kill your fish. This soil is non-organic and therefore harmful to fish. On the other hand, organic soil is acceptable to use and is not as expensive either.

Can aquarium plants grow with LED lights?

LED lighting has made amazing progress in the growth of exotic plants with some higher-end fixtures, but even the most inexpensive LED fixtures specifically made for aquariums will be adequate for successful and healthy plant growth in a community aquarium.

Which plants don’t need soil?

8 Plants You Can Grow Without Soil
  • Lucky Bamboo. 1/8. Despite its name, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) isn’t actually bamboo at all. …
  • Philodendron. 2/8. …
  • Orchids. 3/8. …
  • Air Plants (Tillandsias) 4/8. …
  • Spanish Moss. 5/8. …
  • Marimo Moss Balls. 6/8. …
  • Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) 7/8. …
  • Aechmea. 8/8.

Can you mix substrate with gravel?

Registered. You can mix them all. Theres alot of hype that you have to have special substrates to grow plants. false, alot of us have been growing plants in gravel since the dawn of time.


Do I need plant substrate?

You also have to provide substrate at the proper depth for your aquarium plants. … If they are planted in the substrate that is not deep enough, the roots will become entangled and the aquarium plants will suffer from a lack of nutrients. The deep-rooted plants need at least a 6 cm deep substrate (2 to 3 inches).

Can I add more substrate to an established tank?

To add substrate to an existing tank, we recommend using the water bottle method. … The next step is to fill the bottle with the new substrate. Afterwards, put your thumb on the top part of the bottle, but leave a little opening, and then dip the bottle into your tank from the bottom side on up.

What plants grow in aquarium without soil?

13 Best Aquarium Plants That Can Grow Without Substrate
  • Hornwort.
  • Java Moss.
  • Java Fern.
  • Anubias.
  • Water lettuce.
  • Green Cabomba.
  • Anacharis.
  • Duckweed.