A few questions (I'm setting up a new tank)

Hello everyone!!
So I have a few small questions since I am setting up a new tank from scratch.

1. Does Fluval Stratum work as well as root tabs, or should I buy root tabs on top of the Stratum?
2. Does Seachem Stability work instead of ghost feeding, or along side it?
3. What's the best way to sand the sharp edges of Dragon stone? I got a piece but there are some pretty sharp parts that I don't want ripping my future betta's fins.

Thanks in advance!

 

Hello everyone!!
So I have a few small questions since I am setting up a new tank from scratch.

1. Does Fluval Stratum work as well as root tabs, or should I buy root tabs on top of the Stratum?
2. Does Seachem Stability work instead of ghost feeding, or along side it?
3. What's the best way to sand the sharp edges of Dragon stone? I got a piece but there are some pretty sharp parts that I don't want ripping my future betta's fins.

Thanks in advance!

Hi im not good at stuff like this but I mean someone had to respond sooner or later, lol. I probably would not put anything sharp in there. My sister has a betta and it used to have sharp things. It did fine, but I wouldn't recommend it still. idk what any other things are you said, sorry

 

I've never used Stratum so I can't comment there. Nor have I used Stability. I'm sure there will be others along to help answer those questions.

You could smooth out the sharp points on the dragon stone by rubbing it on something abrasive like concrete. I recommend rinsing rocks etc. really well and then boiling them before putting them in the tank (even if you buy them from the LFS). Beware that some rocks can explode due to steam expansion of water trapped in the rock during boiling but I've boiled plenty of dragon stone with no problems. It doesn't have to be a vigorous boil. Just a simmer for an hour or so. Will kill any nasty's on it before you put it in the tank. Obviously, let them cool before adding it to the tank.

 

Alright, thanks! I have had the rock sitting around for months (maybe 2-3), so would anything that was living in it already be dead?

 

I'd still boil it to be sure. Anything living on it setting in the store is more than likely still there 3 months later..

 

I have Fluval Stratum in my nano tank as well as my 29G. I haven't needed to use root tabs, but the plants in those two tanks are low/medium tech plants which don't require a whole lot. I'd say Stratum alone would be sufficient for most plants, but if you plan on getting picker, more difficult plants, you may need to use root tabs in addition to the Stratum substrate. I'd research the specific plant to see its requirements.

Keep in mind that Fluval Stratum isn't as nutrient rich as ADA. I'm not a plant guru, so I stick to the low/med tech plants to avoid needing Co2, root tabs, special lighting, etc.

Hope this answered that question for you. Good luck **** the new setup.

 

I have Fluval Stratum in my nano tank as well as my 29G. I haven't needed to use root tabs, but the plants in those two tanks are low/medium tech plants which don't require a whole lot. I'd say Stratum alone would be sufficient for most plants, but if you plan on getting picker, more difficult plants, you may need to use root tabs in addition to the Stratum substrate. I'd research the specific plant to see its requirements.

Keep in mind that Fluval Stratum isn't as nutrient rich as ADA. I'm not a plant guru, so I stick to the low/med tech plants to avoid needing Co2, root tabs, special lighting, etc.

Hope this answered that question for you. Good luck **** the new setup.

Okay, thank you! I have fairly low-tech plants

 

I'd still boil it to be sure. Anything living on it setting in the store is more than likely still there 3 months later..

1) put rocks in bucket.
2) pour boiling hot water in rock bucket
3) let soak for hours

Done.

No need to actually boil the rocks. You're sterilizing rocks, not cooking them

 

I don’t think anyone has answered question #2, but you will still need a source of ammonia, in your case ghost feeding. Seachem Stability provides beneficial bacteria but you still need a source of ammonia so the bacteria will grow.

 

1) put rocks in bucket.
2) pour boiling hot water in rock bucket
3) let soak for hours

Done.

No need to actually boil the rocks. You're sterilizing rocks, not cooking them

Rocks and wood are porous. While dumping boiling water on them will definitely sterilize the surface and is more than likely "good enough", I like to go overboard and make sure the heat reaches throughout to ensure I kill anything that may be lurking. I've cut into driftwood and have found burrowed bugs in them. I want them cooked...

 

Boiling rocks can be dangerous, if they are porous and have any pockets inside them, it can cause the gas/air trapped inside to heat up and expand and you may get exploding rocks. Would recommend some caution whenever cooking rocks.

 

I use sandpaper to smooth out decorations and rocks. the sandpaper on a sponge can make the job easier if you like. Rinse afterwords, also run your hand on the surface afterward to check for sharp edges.