Substrate for planted betta & molly tank

[Louise02]

I used an expensive clay substrate for our smaller tanks.  What are good substrate options (for a 29-gallon aquarium) that will work well long-term without completely breaking the bank.  I don't want to go broke, but I don't want to regret it either.  Help?

[AllFishNoBrakes]

If it was my tank I’d just do normal gravel with root tabs if you have plants. 

[Louise02]

On 2/15/2023 at 12:43 AM, AllFishNoBrakes said:

If it was my tank I’d just do normal gravel with root tabs if you have plants. 

Thank you!

[nabokovfan87]

Yep! My first tank I used national geographic gravel in black. Works fine.

I'd recommend using natural gravel if you can find it. Whatever small particle size you can find that works and is made up of tumbled rock. Usually you can find some stuff in the garden section if you don't have a local store. Just make sure it's not rocks with lots of white marbling as that is calcium and would change your water parameters. River rocks, grey gravel, etc. All that stuff works.

If you go the aquarium route (meaning branded for aquariums) then I'd recommend something natural looking over the painted rock stuff.