AquariumPlants.com's own: Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate

[donthitmyhead]

http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/ss-1.htm
I came across this substrate when browsing AquariumPlants.com
Anyone have any experience with this substrate? I know they beat flourite in price but are they as good as they claim to be?

[Rex Grigg]

From what we have seen it's the same thing as SoilMaster Select. And you can get SMS for around $17-$20 for 50 lbs.

Some knothead will come in and tell you to go to a Lesco store. Well that's fine and dandy if you live in an area where there is a Lesco store. Otherwise you will have to go to http://oildri.com/agri/index.html and give them a call and ask who is the closest distributor to you.

[donthitmyhead]

Thanks for the reply! That means it's not worth buying? How does it compare with Seachem Flourite, Seachem Black Onyx sand, and Eco Complete in terms of nutrients? I'm really confused with this substrate thing tbh, thanks.

[Rex Grigg]

I personally have not used it. Many people have and love the stuff. It's not as high in minerals as Eco-Complete or Flourite but it has a really high CEC (that's a good thing).

BTW, Onyx sand is not black. It's a light gray.

If you can buy it by the bag the SMS is a great low cost substrate. A 50 lb bag will do two good sized aquariums.

[donthitmyhead]

I'll look out for it. Does it last longer than flourite and Eco Complete? I've read that Eco Complete raises GH and KH initially. Will this kill neon tetras?

[Rex Grigg]

What do you mean last longer? Both Eco-Complete and Flourite will last your lifetime.

Some batches of Eco-Complete will raise the KH and GH.

As for what kills Neons? Turning on the light, water movement, stagnant water, fish food, turning off the light.....I could go on but I think you get the idea. If you want fish then get Cardinals. Much hardier fish.

[kblane]

I bought the stuff and love it. I wont' use anything else. I'm going to eventually trade in all the combos I've got in my smaller tanks for it.

My plants seem to be doing quite well, especially my previously suffering lilly.

Anyhow, just my opinion. Like the stuff, couldn't deal with the hassell of trying to find someone to order it or ship it or whatever.

Anyhow, good luck.

K Blane