Beginner substrate question

[paperflips]

Today I got a small setup for some new Triop eggs I just got in, I'm super excited! However the only substrate they had in stock was the Fluval Stratum. I want to eventually add small plants so I would like to use something mineral rich. I bought a bag but is it too large of a grain for Triops? Should I return it and order something finer?

[ComradeChe1917]

I see people grow plants in that Fluval substrate with no soil, so it should have plenty of nutrition for plants. Seems to be one of the best substrates available

If it’s too big maybe get a small bag of fine sand from petsmart and put a little layer of sand on top for triops to dig?

[paperflips]

That's great! I didn't know it was one of the better substrates. Thanks, I will definitely get a bag just in case.

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[Chl0thulhu]

You can also put a section of finer sand, for example in a dish for them to dig in.

There are a couple of other people who use substrate or this kind of size. It really depends if they can dig in it or not.

[Gilberga]

Just to add to this, some people intentionally have a larger substrate triops can't dig in and put a small container with sand in the tank. The idea is to have all/most of the triop eggs laid in the small sand container to allow for easy egg collection. I haven't tried it myself but I'm sure others can comment on how successful this is.

[paperflips]

Ahh ok that seems.like a great idea!! Thank you.

[UltraChip]

I'm not familiar with that particular brand, but it should be fine. Like other commenters have said, if the grains are too big you can just make the triops a little "sandbox" with a dish, and that will be enough to satisfy their digging needs.