Plant Substrate and bottom dwellers

[ridout]

Would the substrate in the link below be ok to use in a tank with bottom dwellers? If not, is there a substrate that feeds the plants and doesn't harm the bellies of the catfish?
It also says that it drops the ph to 6.5. If only able to use tap water, could someone suggest a good treatment for all the tap water "nasties"?


http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/colombo-florabase-black-fine-25-litres-p-5346.html

Ridout

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
That is fine, but it won't lower the pH of Bath tap water.

You can use sand for planted tanks and feed the water column <http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10083&highlight=Duckweed+index>, or you can add a small amount of a controlled release fertiliser like "osmocote". I just use sand with some clay and leaf mould to add CEC.

I've got one nano with "Tesco lightweight non-absorbent Cat litter" (made from Moler Clay) and that is fine for Cories, although it needs a lot of washing to get rid of the smell. If you are still at Newbridge? and want some plants, PM me as I drive past every day.

cheers Darrel