Root tabs vs dirt vs substrate

I have been doing a crazy amount of research lately because im going to be setting up my first heavily planted tank in a few days. Its going to be a 5 gallon for my betta and i originally was gonna try a no filter but decided against it since im still a beginner. The big question is if root tabs are more sustainable than dirt or one of those nutrient rich substrates (like fluval but on a budget). Im not sure which of the 3 I would get or perhaps a combo would be best? The info ive heard is so mixed. Some say dirt lasts ages, some say it doesnt. Some say nutrient rich substrates beat the rest on plant growth, and some say sand with root tabs is king. Id like to get some more opinions from you all who have more experience than I do

 

I would definitely prefer dirt over the expensive stuff. It has the same effect, and if you put some peat moss in it, it will bring your ph down as well. Root tabs are definitely easier to replace, but they run out much faster. Dirt can last a long time, 1 1/2 years, but to replace it you have to drain the whole tank, scoop the the dirt out, replace it, and relayer your sand. It comes down to your preference. But, both should be capped with sand. I suggest playsand or pool filter sand

 

I've done Flourite substrate for years and honestly can't really tell if it does anything. But I've been kept using it haha. I've noticed plants go crazy the first few months with it and then it dies down. I still supplement and use root tabs though.

My dad did dirt once and it was a mess, so I've never done it. He probably did it wrong but who knows.

I would say root tabs are probably the safest bet with standard gravel or sand. It can add up, but with a 5 gallon you shouldn't have to go through too many.

What types of plants do you want to keep?

 

I'm not sure past hornwort, which I have in my 20 gallon and i know doesn't care, and a java moss covered cave. Im going to be going to my lfs for the first time so im not really sure what all theyll have. Definitely some kind of carpeting plant tho maybe dwarf hairgrass or baby tears but ill have to see what's available

 

Go with inert substrate and add root tabs. Even with a dirt aquarium a heavily planted tank will eventually use up the nutrients in the tank and you will have to add root tabs anyway. Dirt substrates are very messy when you remove rooted plants and will muddy up you tank. Dirt tanks usually release a lot of ammonia early on and will add to your need for water changes and algae growth. When you are using root tabs you have control over nutrients in your tank. When your tank is lightly planted you can add a small amount of root tabs and as your plants grow you can add more root tabs as the need rises. The dirt tank works just the opposite. It releases most of its nutrients early and then by the time your tank is really full and thriving it begins to be depleted and has less to release.

 

Thanks guys! I think im gonna go with root tabs if just because replacing dirt would be a whole pain and a half lol. I also think root tabs would end up being cheaper to start since i still have left over sand so bonus maybe a dirted tank in the future

 

Thanks guys! I think im gonna go with root tabs if just because replacing dirt would be a whole pain and a half lol. I also think root tabs would end up being cheaper to start since i still have left over sand so bonus maybe a dirted tank in the future

Smart move

 

Thanks guys! I think im gonna go with root tabs if just because replacing dirt would be a whole pain and a half lol. I also think root tabs would end up being cheaper to start since i still have left over sand so bonus maybe a dirted tank in the future

Be careful what root tabs you buy though, the big brand ones lack the most important macronutrients NPK. If you really want root tabs, I recommend you get them from Nilocg's website.

My vote is actually for aquasoils if you really want a heavily planted tank. Dirt is fine and lasts a year or two, but the sand cap is a disadvantage for small rooting plants in their beginning growth stages because they can't reach all the way down yet. Aquasoils are small pellets and retain their shape, don't cloud the water, therefore not needing a sand cap.
Both aquasoil and dirt have the advantage over sand because sand is inert and root tabs are concentrated to small pockets, therefore nutrients are very unevenly spread. Not super horrible for large plants with big root systems but for small plants whose roots don't reach very far, another disadvantage. You must remember that a soil substrate provides unlimited nutrients, not meaning they'll last forever but that a plant can eat as much as it wants without running out as long as there are nutrients in the soil. Root tabs are limited nutrients.
Soil based substrates also offer far more room for symbiotic bacteria to grow due to how porous soil is compared to sand. This includes beneficial bacteria different from what grows in filter media.
Aquasoil and dirt do get messier than sand when replanting though. Clouding should settle pretty quickly.

I also want to mention Fluval Stratum is far from the most nutrient rich aquasoil out there, there are others that are more nutrient rich for a similar price.

With all this said, since you don't know what plants you'll get, if you get mostly unrooted plants like moss, anubias, java fern, moss, a soil substrate is definitely overkill. However for anything that roots, it will be beneficial.

Also, be very careful with carpeting plants. Dwarf baby tears are not a low tech friendly carpet plant and will not live unless you inject CO2 gas. Micranthemum 'monte carlo' is an easier, similar looking alternative. Dwarf hair grass is more low tech friendly but as will all carpeting plants it likes at least medium light and a soil substrate. It is possible to grow carpets in sand but you'll need tons of root tabs and rigorous water column dosing. Chances of success improve greatly with a soil substrate.

I wrote a small guide to basic nutrient theory that you may find helpful:
Info Before You Buy Flourish And Ferts In General | Plant Fertilizers 275661

I've done Flourite substrate for years and honestly can't really tell if it does anything. But I've been kept using it haha. I've noticed plants go crazy the first few months with it and then it dies down. I still supplement and use root tabs though.

My dad did dirt once and it was a mess, so I've never done it. He probably did it wrong but who knows.

I would say root tabs are probably the safest bet with standard gravel or sand. It can add up, but with a 5 gallon you shouldn't have to go through too many.

What types of plants do you want to keep?

Unfortunately flourite is pretty much crushed volcanic rock/lava rock, like inert gravel but with a better structure for plant roots

 

I also want to mention Fluval Stratum is far from the most nutrient rich aquasoil out there, there are others that are more nutrient rich for a similar price.

Thank you so much for the very detailed answer! I'm definitely gonna give that video a watch later when i have a few mins to really take notes. Do you have any specific, more inexpensive aquasoils that you would say are better than fluval? Honestly the only reason I said fluval is because its what 99% of blogs/articles and videos use or recommend, and the ones that I've seen that don't didnt even mention what aquasoil they used.

 

Thank you so much for the very detailed answer! I'm definitely gonna give that video a watch later when i have a few mins to really take notes. Do you have any specific, more inexpensive aquasoils that you would say are better than fluval? Honestly the only reason I said fluval is because its what 99% of blogs/articles and videos use or recommend, and the ones that I've seen that don't didnt even mention what aquasoil they used.

No problem! Yeah, might be name brand recognition or that fact that chain stores only carry fluval stratum. Per pound, I think you'll find ADA Amazonia and UNS Controsoil similarly priced. Also UP Aqua sand is similar, but much less popular so there's not much hobbyist consensus on it. I've used it and liked it, and it's coated so it doesn't get as messy as the others. Little less natural looking though

It's a little hard to convert because some go by liters and Fluval by pounds. Also prices go down if you buy in bulk.

On amazon, per pound prices for about 10 liters are:
Fluval: $3.18
Amazonia: $3.21
Controsoil: $3.00
UP aqua sand: $3.27

Per liter price:
Fluval: $5.83
Amazonia: $5.88
Controsoil: $5.90
UP aqua sand: can't find the info, probably a little pricier

(EDIT I just looked on Amazon and was delighted to see it now carries Tropica soil, which is just as good in quality but quite a bit pricier.)

Amazonia leaches ammonia for a few weeks when first submerged. This is great for cycling and for initial plant growth, but not suitable for tanks that already have fish.

Again I think substrate decision will greatly depend on plants. Perhaps call or do a first visit to your LFS? If it doesn't have much, which has been my usual experience, online ordered plants are usually healthier and in greater variety too Though also plant choice will depend on light...

 

Again thank you so much! Based on what you said i think ill wait and see whats at my lfs since i havent been before and then make a decision between aquasoil and root tabs. I did watch the video from your post and it was so helpful as well! Ordered me some liquid fert that had more of the macros than the brand I was using. Fingers crossed my plants appreciate the new food!
EDIT- havent bought a light yet cuz i wanted to see what kind of plants they had. On my 20 gal i believe it's classed as medium? I just got it off amazon and it had pretty positive reviews. Its a hygger brand light with its own timer that I've been using the 6 hour for hornwort, a few swords, and a java fern. 5gal is TBD on light

 

Again thank you so much! Based on what you said i think ill wait and see whats at my lfs since i havent been before and then make a decision between aquasoil and root tabs. I did watch the video from your post and it was so helpful as well! Ordered me some liquid fert that had more of the macros than the brand I was using. Fingers crossed my plants appreciate the new food!
EDIT- havent bought a light yet cuz i wanted to see what kind of plants they had. On my 20 gal i believe it's classed as medium? I just got it off amazon and it had pretty positive reviews. Its a hygger brand light with its own timer that I've been using the 6 hour for hornwort, a few swords, and a java fern. 5gal is TBD on light

Awesome! 5 gals are pretty easy to light because they're quite shallow. Most lights on Amazon will be low-medium, which luckily suits most plants. Also has the benefit of easier algae management!