Eco-complete/flourite+ stocking

[PsyKick]

So I am getting a 10 gallon from a friend who doesnt want it anymore, and ive decided I want to make it mostly just a planted tank.

Which substrate do you all prefer? Eco-Complete or Flourite?
Could I get both and mix them, or would that be bad?

I figured I would also get some shrimp, snails, and maybe some tetras just to balance the tank a little.

Any suggestions? I really like Ember Tetras and I think one of my LFS can order them (I have three LFS's plus a petco, cool huh?!)

Also, suggestions on: filters, heaters, lighting, and anything else you think I need would be greatly appreciated!!

[gustavo85]

I had Eco-complete and it was really good. If I decide to get back in plants I would use it again.

[Riiz]

They work about the same, I'm a Flourite fan myself. Grab what looks attractive or you get a better deal on, imo.

For Ember Tetras look no further than our Classifieds: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161401. Cant beat the price Mgamer can offer them at.

Recommendations for the rest:
Heater - Marineland Visitherm Stealth - 50watt
Filter - Eheim Classic - 2213
Lighting - T5 Fluorescent - no brand preference

[gmh]

I would not mix the two. No point in it as they are both great as stand alone substrates and the combination would probably not look that good.
I vote for Eco-complete. No rinsing needed.

[Slappy*McFish]

I like them both. If you like a dark substrate then go with Eco-complete. If you prefer a lighter brownish color, then go with standard Flourite. Otherwise, plants do well with either.

[calivivarium1]

Check out my 10gal build journal for some pics of flourite black sand. The stuff needs a decent amount of rinsing, but so far I love the stuff. I haven't seen eco-complete in person in awhile, but from what I remember of it the black flourite is the same colour if not a little darker.

[Mgamer20o0]

with flourite you wash it and let it dry then put it in the tank. thats the catch.

thanks for the shout out Riiz... lol i do still have some left for $1.50 not sure what your lfs charges or how many you want it may or may not be cheaper to order with me.

[PsyKick]

Thanks for all the input! Riiz I forgot to mention that I am on a student budget and cant really afford Eheim's or t5 lighting hoods... Looking for components that are more around $30 a piece.

Decided to go with the Black sand Fluorite though!!
Mg, I have to go check out my LFS's to see how much they can get Embers for, but Ill PM you if yours are cheaper!

[Riiz]

If your tank comes with a hood that uses screw-in bulbs, your in luck. You can replace them either spiral CFLs, 14watt 6700k Daylights. Or Walmart even has some straight-tube CFLs, from Lights of American for $5 each in the pet section that are good too.

For a filter grab an AC30, cheap and versatile for a power filter.

[gustavo85]

For a filter grab an AC30, cheap and versatile for a power filter.

I'm also on student budget (actually med student budget which is basically negative) and currently have an AC 50, I love this filter. But since I recently upgraded my 20g to a 30g I inherited from my father, I bought an AC 70 (new) which is on the way and only cost me $50.

[PsyKick]

Am I correct in assuming that AC stands for AquaClear?

havnt gotten the tank yet, but I am crossing my fingers for screw-in bulbs! If not I may have to just make my own...

[finz]

I've mixed them and on the contrary , it looks good...

[Riiz]

Am I correct in assuming that AC stands for AquaClear?

havnt gotten the tank yet, but I am crossing my fingers for screw-in bulbs! If not I may have to just make my own...

Yes, Aquaclear.

[PsyKick]

Ill be heading over to one of my LFS's today to check on availability of Black sand Fluorite and any AC 30s

Is there a reason why you prefer an AC to another brand? Not that I am questioning your judgment but from the reviews I read it sounds like they tend to be brittle and noisy...just curious what your reasoning for the AC 30 is?

[Riiz]

Aquaclear's have alot of flexibility when it comes to media choices, plus they use reusable foam, not cartridges. I've never had a problem with them being noisy, plus you can adjust the flowrate as well, thats a plus when trying not to out-gas your precious CO2.

[PsyKick]

Awesome! Exactly the kind of response I was looking for!
That actually leads me to a new question. I havn't set up a CO2 system before, I definitely cant afford a fancy pressurized rig. I know there is a DIY CO2 thread around here somewhere, but Riiz you seem to know your stuff, any suggestions for making my own CO2 and getting it set up?

[Riiz]

Check out this primer and instructions for DIY CO2. One thing I dont think is mentioned, is its better to use multiple bottles, to basically stagger the production and make the gas a little more consistent, which is one drawback to DIY, imo.

http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html#2

[Mgamer20o0]

petco is going to have a $1 a gallon sale... if your really into plants i would just get a 29 gal. it will give you so many other options and shouldnt cost much more.

[SchizotypalVamp]

You don't have to use anyone's cartridges, though I like the biomedia that the aquaclear comes with right off the bat. I noticed a difference in water clarity from it. I have a Whisper 10 and Aquaclear 20 running on my ten. The Whisper is stuffed with scrubbies, lol.