Getting ready 135 tank

[llmoe]

Ok picked up bomelaid plants and I was told a snake plant.. What you all think? I didn't go to big with anything because I know they are going to grow..

[Leefrogs]

awsome plants!!! That brom is huge!!! And the snake, very original, never seen one so pale, don't be afraid to split that as many times as u like. Looks like an 8" pot, probably can spit that down 8 x if needed. Are u going to do the whole background thing, or viewing from all around? I never asked bout your plans.

[llmoe]

Thanks,, Trying..haha The tank can be viewed from all sides.. Yes, planning on splitting all the plants up and spreading thru out the tank.

I am using the leca on the base.. Do you all screen that and then add you base for the plants.. What is the best and easiest to get for good plant growth and safe for frogs.. Our pet store didn't have ****.. going to have to make a trip to a bigger pet store chain. Should I use a coco fiber mixed and can I put a moss layer on top of that for better looks? I think I will need ALOT of it..

[Leefrogs]

haven't done a real bottom, I just went rocks coco fiber and moss. But I think u can use weed barrier I stead of screen if u want, I would mix coco fiber and whatever dirt u choose. Eco earth or plantation soil. The coco husk will help roots breathe and airate, and some also mix in sphagam. I found the bricks of compressed swell up sooo much, for the 33 gal I have, the 8$ double brick of forest moss was enough for a year. Bout 6 changes. So 16$ and you're covered. I've heard of peep using sheet moss from micheals craft store, it grows I guess? Not sure. U could add large rocks to take up some of the space, looks nice.

[llmoe]

I only thing I am thinking about and a tad worry is the depth of the soil for these plants. going have to be pretty deep. I will search online for the coco fiber and clean soil.. I know lowes don't carry anything that is clean.. I will have to try our local garden shop. That is what I will do is use that weed stopper.. Will work better and I have some..

[DonLisk]

I only thing I am thinking about and a tad worry is the depth of the soil for these plants. going have to be pretty deep. I will search online for the coco fiber and clean soil.. I know lowes don't carry anything that is clean.. I will have to try our local garden shop. That is what I will do is use that weed stopper.. Will work better and I have some..

The substrate can be plantation soil, coco fiber, or other mixes from most pet supply stores. Since its sch a big tank I see why your looking more for bulk. You can also have some rinsed soil from the plant in there under the top layer. I use a product from Zilla named Jungle Mix and it works well. Has some bark mixed in with coco fiber. I also use a lot of Plantation Soil.

Have a bottom layer of hydro balls or a false bottom for the moisture to drain off too.

With many plants, the roots can be cut back, especially the Bromeliads, and then planted. If your looking to keep floor space, you sides can have a cork wall and then the bromeliad can be put into that with out any actual soil. It will eventually attach itself to the cork bark.

I don't think the snake plants have a very deep root, and the roots they do have can be spread out.
Biggest thing I have found with planting is the need for the plants to have something to keep them up or for the roots to grab on to such as some gravel or stones under or around the plant. I do this with larger plants so they can attach themselves to something for support. I have also put larger stones (rocks)or pieces of driftwood in places to support things at angles.

[Leefrogs]

Dons right about roots. U can get a plant out of a pot and the center of the root ball is always hollow, I insert my thumbs and tear ball open. Abuse actually helps them. An idea for u too, I've seen some one roll a cork bark over and plant inside that, this would do good with broms, snake plants, and maybe a phothos. They had it kinda propped up on a rock, I assume this was for drainage.

[llmoe]

The substrate can be plantation soil, coco fiber, or other mixes from most pet supply stores. Since its sch a big tank I see why your looking more for bulk. You can also have some rinsed soil from the plant in there under the top layer. I use a product from Zilla named Jungle Mix and it works well. Has some bark mixed in with coco fiber. I also use a lot of Plantation Soil.

Have a bottom layer of hydro balls or a false bottom for the moisture to drain off too.

With many plants, the roots can be cut back, especially the Bromeliads, and then planted. If your looking to keep floor space, you sides can have a cork wall and then the bromeliad can be put into that with out any actual soil. It will eventually attach itself to the cork bark.

I don't think the snake plants have a very deep root, and the roots they do have can be spread out.
Biggest thing I have found with planting is the need for the plants to have something to keep them up or for the roots to grab on to such as some gravel or stones under or around the plant. I do this with larger plants so they can attach themselves to something for support. I have also put larger stones (rocks)or pieces of driftwood in places to support things at angles.

My worry was having to put dirt deep enough for the roots. I don't want it that hight and you will view the tank from all sides. So cutting the roots will help. Did not know I could do that. I just want enough floor space for the water bowl and that is really it.. I am going to make it with high and low spots. The tall plants will be lower then that bromelaids(sp?) will be built up some. I will be using leca clay balls then weed stopper then should I put some bigger gravel then the soil so the plants can grab onto that? Can I put regular soil then put a couple of inches of plantation soil or should I just use all plantation soil.. I am doing a 135 tank.

[llmoe]

Trying to get some leca and then fish are going.. I think I will make the tank hilly and not just flat.. You see it from all sides. This should be interesting .. Probably will look like a mess before I get the plants how I want them...