Substrate for Planted tank

Cookie_Monster

What's the best for an underlayer to sand in a planted tank. Want to reasonably heavily plant it and I reckon just sand is not enough for nutrients and stability.

Is there a commonly available substrate suitable?

I plan on covering whatever it is with a layer of black sand (from the beach over here) to a depth of a couple of cm, or is it worth just doing all sand?

fungun

i bought a soil substrate (cant remember what one to be honest) and put a fine black gravel over it - works fine

CornsnakeKeeper

Coco Brick or Eco earth, you'll get it in any pet shop with reptile supplies..better than sand.
It depends though, what are you putting in the tank?
http://www.herpireland.com/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=6805&start=0
If it's fish I'm not much help but this site lists a whole ton of substrates.
http://www.aquariumslife.com/aquascaping/planted-aquarium-substrate/substrate-materials-planted-aquarium/

paddy147

We use JBL substrate

dbrock

tropica do a good substrate, ive used this with aqua grit found it very good

Bookworm85

This is the kit that I used in my setup with sand on top.

http://www.seahorseaquariums.com/store/product/1529/JBL-ProFloraStart-Set-200/

My tank is more heavily planted at the back and sides, so have a deeper layer of compost there (around about 7-8cm) - gradually sloping towards the front and centre of the tank.

I have vallis, twisted vallis, swordplant (I think!) this guy and all are thriving.