I'm in the process of starting a planted tank 46g and I have some questions regarding the substrate. I was planning on getting 1 or 2 bags of the man made stuff and putting it on the bottom layer and covering with a mixture of gravel and sand (love the look) I realize I'll have to use root taps eventually when the nutrients run out, am I set or is there anything else I need?

Maybe instead of gravel cover with safe-t-sorb if u can get it. Its made from all natural clay so its rich in iron and other minerals. I used it in my 75g build and it leaves a nice natural look too.

Here is a link to my build. I have pics of the stuff in there
Finaly my 75g beasolbob build

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my 75g build---->http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/fin...ild-18272.html
75g beasolbob tank peat moss & safe-t-sorb 5congo tetras,2bristle nose plecs, 2 German blue Rams

I use Activ·Flora™ Planted Aquarium Substrate by World Wide Imports Ent., Inc. for my 29g planted tank. I have mostly wysteria and amazon swords. They grow like weeds. I also use liquid plans vitamins. I use Kent brand iron and manganese. I have had to split the excess plant growth between 3 tanks and I still have extra sitting in a tub of tank water for later use lol

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Tank: 29g:guppies, balloon mollies, swordtail, 2 mollies
Hex: opaline gourami
10g 1F. betta

Lots of ways to succeed with a planted tank. Check out Beaslbob's method or the Walstad method. If you don't want to be bothered with CO2 or regular dosing with ferts, either method will give you a low-maintenance planted tank. High-tech setups will work equally well, but are more labor-intensive. I'm not afraid of work, but I'd rather watch someone else do it. That's why I have a Walstad tank.

I guess my questions really is if I get a substrate LIke Activ Flora or just go with Dirt like the Walstad method can I just put sand on top of the substrate?

I use a thin layer of sand over cheap potting soil - works fine.