Sand And Gravel?

[Plecii]

I have a 29 gal planted tank that is just starting to get established. The current substrate is natural round gravel/ pebbles but it's a little thin. I was thinking the plants and cories would love some sand, but I really don't want to rip up all my happy plants and replace.

So can I add sand on top of gravel?

[Iceturf]

You can add sand on top, but don't add too thick of a layer.

[ckmullin]

Not a fan of sand or common gravel for planted tanks...I'd say grab some nutrient substrate and redo but keep your filter material to see the new tank.

Plants like nutrient gravel more than sand.

[jvision]

I'm a sand guy, myself. However, plants need nutrients, like ckmullen said. So, if you aren't feeding the roots (soils, root tabs, etc) you'll have to feed the water column (fertilizers)

I use the Estimative Index method for my planted tanks.

[WickedOdie]

Dirt it! Then you can use whatever cap you want!

[Eugene]

Sand is the best and cheap plants grow quick cause the roots don't get damaged when pushed in especially if you use tweezers to plant or long tweeers.If you put sand on top it will eventually sink to bottom and push up gravel exposeing it.

[Iceturf]

I would recommend that if you are going to the effort to change substrates, you try the dirt method that has been recommended. I've tried it with two tanks, zero fert dosing and high growth. I personally think black substrate looks better, I've tried light sand with mixed results.

[WickedOdie]

If you're going to do dirt make sure you put some clay in there that's high in iron. If you don't you may end up dosing iron.