Substrates

[Possum63]

Hi all

Beginning a new project of creating an awesome tank. I'm undecided on what I want to do for the substrate though. I'm learning towards a permanently stuck down substrate but there are so many options I don't know which I want to do!

Sooo... my task for you guys is to post pictures of your DIY substrate jobies and explain the benefits of your way and why you choice it

Just want to see all the different kinds together so I can make a decision on what I like best

Thank you for all your help!!!

 

[auntiejude]

I have sand stuck down with silicone on a removable acrylic plate base. Looks like sand, as easy to clean as bare bottom, no chance of anything getting accidentally ingested.
The only problem is making the thing - aquarium silicone STINKS of vinegar!
(Will post pics later)

 

[Possum63]

Oh my lord, I know right?! Stinky stuff lol. Look forward to pictures

 

[AeonMapa]

I use prepared soil with a sand cap. I prepare the soil by soaking regular garden soil in a bucket, removing all the floating parts, then adding an airstone and leaving it for a week. This will allow nitrifying bacteria to start living in the soil and avoid nutrient spikes that usually come with using soil. Then I cap it with a 1cm layer of play sand to hold it down. Although the cap might not even be necessary as thouroughly soaked soil wont form clouds even if disturbed I use this for all my tanks and it is simply the best for plant growth! Alternately you can use larger river rocks! They are easy to clean around, look natural, and when time comes for a major cleaning, quite easy to remove and replace without making a mess. completely axie safe too

 

[AeonMapa]

heres the river rocks