Fahaka puffer substrate

[Pufferfreak]

Hi! I'm in the process of setting up a 150 gallon tank for a fahaka puffer. I would love to do a planted tank. I have struggled with plants in the past so I thought doing a plant substrate would be a good idea to help. I know fahakas need sand substrate but I was wondering if seachem flourite black sand would be okay? Any guidance is appreciated!

[Patrick_G]

I think Flourite is inert, so it won’t help your plants grow. I’m not sure if it’s safe or suitable for your Puffer.

After you figure out what sand you’re using I’d consider adding a nutrient layer of aquasoil. Put it under the sand in the spots that you you want to plant. 
 
Do you have the fish yet? I’d love to see some pics! 

[Pufferfreak]

I don't have the fish yet unfortunately! I want to get the tank set up and plants growing before I get it. What aquasoil would you reccomend? I'm not very experienced with plants. I've tried growing them in sand and not had luck.

[Patrick_G]

I used Fluval Stratum in my tank because I got a discount, ADA and UNS are a few other brands I’ve seen recommended. I followed the MD fish tanks method. He mixes some aquasoil with some gravel then layers it under the sand. That way the expensive aquasoil goes farther and leeches less nutrients into the water column. I’ve never kept anything close to the size of a Fahaka so this method might be totally unsuitable with that fish. 
I am sure you could go for plants that feed from the water column like Java Fern and Anubias.