Can my tropical plants grow in the gravel or do i need peat?

We have a tropical fish tank and have purchased some more tropical plants (Cryptocorynes, Cabomba, Anubias Nana), can we place them straight in the gravel.? We have heard a roumor that if you add peat in the tank they will grow more, is this true? any hints?

Can my tropical plants grow in the gravel or do i need peat?
Yes its true but you need to put the peat in before the gravel when you set the tank up. I would sugest if that is not possible that you put a Grolux bulb in your tank or something equivalent. The plants that you describe need a lot of light and plant food. If all else fails and your plants dont do very well you could get some Java fern which will grow anywhere and multiply very quickly. Good luck.
Reply:You will be better off putting a layer of clay in first, then a layer of peat on top of that, then a layer of gravel on top of that. You do need the peat as it helps the roots to grab on to something to help the plants grow.
Reply:Read the label, or get advice from your local garden centre.
Reply:Go to plantgeek and look up these species out on their plant guide (it's the best guide I have found for aquascaping - pics with really great writeups).



I think you will need some sort of substrate other than gravel (along with proper lighting, and a DIY CO2 kit wouldn't hurt), but go here, and click on "Plant Guide". Also - join the forums! They are free and there are tons of knowledgeable hobbyists out there...



Plantgeek

http://www.plantgeek.net



Good luck!
Reply:yes they will the plants will grow well if you have a under gravel filter the roots will grow in all the sediment that is pulled under the filter tray if you put peat and clay in the water will cloud up as the fish dig in the gravel
Reply:My plants grow alright in the gravel.