Habitat - Indoor :: Using Flourite Substrate?

[daverave087]

Hey all,

Just doing research on what sort of substrate to put into a 40 gallon tank. I think I've decided against using pebbles because of the risk of digestive issues, and am deciding now between sand (play or aquarium) and flourite. Any thoughts or anyone used it?

[ljapa]

Fluorite is primarily for providing nutrients in a planted tank. It's also going to be MUCH more expensive than sand.

And, if you're planning a heavily planted tank with a RES, you may want to ask for others experience. For one, some plants are poisonous to RES. for another, many RES will dig up and or eat plants.

[daverave087]

Thanks for the info, I'm actually not planning on using live plants, so I think I'd rather use sand. I just need to figure out how to clean it before I put it in the tank because my house doesn't have a hose hookup...

[steve]

Pool filter sand will be a bit cleaner to use. Also add some polyfil or polishing pads to pick up the fine particles during the first day or so.