Substrates in an established tank

[Jonathan K]

Hi Guys
First is there any way of adding a substrate to my tank without taking all the water/fish etc out
And Also are they absolutely necessary for decent plant growth
Thanks

 

[LondonDragon]

Hi Guys
First is there any way of adding a substrate to my tank without taking all the water/fish etc out
And Also are they absolutely necessary for decent plant growth
Thanks

Depends which substrate you are going to use, if its one that need to be topped with gravel or something then I wouldn't recommend it, others like Aquasoil can be done, but its a very messy job.
Have a look in my Rio 125 journal, I only have plain pea size gravel

 

[Themuleous]

You can mix most substrate into an existing substrate, just tip it on top and mix with your hand. I wouldn't do this ADA aquasoil though unless you don't have fish or inverts in the tank.

That said 'plant' substrates aren't essential, as decent water column ferts can work just as well. What these substrates do is increase the margin of error that the tank has and gives to a buffer.

Sam