[pineapple]

The garnet is completely inert so it doesn't release anything in the water

Common (almandite) garnet is Fe3Al2(SiO4)3. Garnet is formed in metamorphic and some igneous rocks under conditions of high heat and relatively high pressure. While completely stable in these conditions of high heat and pressure below the Earth's surface, it is not completely stable in the conditions prevalent at the Earth's surface. If you are apt to spend time in the North Eastern USA, New England area, you will find them in the various metamorphic rocks that outcrop here. Rocks in streams etc often contain remains of these garnets and they are broken down. How long they will stay stable in an aquarium is an interesting thought. Keep us updated. The substrate looks very nice. As usual, Nikolay is innovating.

The layout has potential - depends on the plants. What is the rock you are using? It looks fine grained, slightly weathered rounding of edges etc. The rocks seem to be a foundation on which the wood is anchored.

With a narrow (side-to-side width) aquarium, it is hard not to centre designs. Sometimes, adding elevation to the substrate on one side or other helps to alleviate the feeling of being in a narrow confine.

Andrew Cribb

 

[pineapple]

I guess, but am not sure, that the rocks are a fine-grained basalt. Basalt seems useful in aquariums since it has a dark colour and the plants look good alongside it.

As you say, the garnet sounds fairly inert according to the tests.

Andrew Cribb

 

[pineapple]

Here is a source for Garnet Sand:

http://www.reade.com/Products/Abrasives/garnet.html

Andrew Cribb

 

[pineapple]

How about Blyxa sp. Vietnam and/or Blyxa japonica.

Rocks that small will get lost even with a small amount of ground cover. It's hard to get rocks to display in a well-grown planted aquarium unless they are 'exaggerated' in stature to start with. With an 18 USG high you have height to play with. Enjoy the height, use it. Wood is easier to use in this dimension. Tall rocks usually have wide bases which restricts planting, unless you can get hold of some 'pinnacles'.

As for your last version:

* Active carbon on the bottom.
*Peat/pumice/laterite/lava rock as a second layer.

Why did you take that down? Was it just design considerations or something to do with the substrate? Why did you change the substrate? Just testing?

I am curious because I have been thinking about substrate for a new aquarium recently and have been considering components such as peat, pumice, Flora Base, etc.

Andrew Cribb

 

[pineapple]

By the way, it's always worth checking out Oliver's update on ADA Days at: http://www.plantella.com/

Click on the link for 'Recent' pictures updates.

Andrew Cribb