I have been running a dirted tank with a pool filter sand cap, but I am going to tear it down and start over. I am going to go with a heavily planted tank with a Fluval 3.0 light and a new substrate. The problem is that I really like the look of the pool filter sand and the smoothness of it for Kuhli Loachs and such, but have read that it is not great for growing plants.
I don't want to go the route of having to replace my substrate because the nutrients are depleted, so I plan on using inert material and supplementing with fert and root tabs.
I'd like a sand like substrate that doesn't break my budget and will be good for bottom feeders and plants.
Any suggestions are most appreciated.
Thank you!