Likoma Posted December 14, 2012 Report Share Posted December 14, 2012 It seems being new to planted aquarium I have made a faux pas. The planting medium for the glossostigma is made up of Fluorite and nothing else. It has been mentioned to me that over time due to the high levels of exposure, the fluorite will leach nutrients into the water column. I take it that this could fuel an algae take over. I am thinking of covering the fluorite with fine gravel, trying not to disturb the plants too much. Has anyone had experience with this type of situation. Would the reward to prevent excessive nutrients getting into the water ,out way damaging new plants that are still finding their feet. Thanking you in advance for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wild Nut Posted December 14, 2012 Report Share Posted December 14, 2012 Are you talking exposure to fertilisers? If I recall correctly, flourite is an inert clay based substrate. Its benefit is in its high CEC which allows it to take nutrients into the substrate and keep them there for plants to uptake. I think if you are dosing your fertilisers correctly, there shouldn't be too much excess nutrients leeching back into your tank once the plants have utilised them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieBell Posted December 14, 2012 Report Share Posted December 14, 2012 I have tanks with flourite and regular fine gravel and have algae problems with both haha. Haven't really noticed thr difference. Had the flourite for about a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Likoma Posted December 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2012 Thanks for the advice. I will leave it as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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