Installing New Substrate

[tackful]

Read good reviews of Eco-Complete here, so that's what I'll be using, but could use more advice.
1) Are two 20 lb bags enough for a 29 gal tall (30"Lx12"W)?
2) Is it advisable to top off with gravel or sand, or add layers of something else for best results?
3) Do I rinse it first? I've read that each bag contains water with beneficial bacteria.
4) Have also read something about a layering effect in which the small and large particles naturally sort themselves out. Is this true?
I will be breaking down an established tank to install the Eco-Complete.
Thanks again.

[SumTinsFishy]

1. two bags should typically be fine.
2. no you do not need to top it off with anything. It does not break down or get soft and mushy.
3. no you do not need to rinse it, any beneficial bacteria that is in it would be washed away. the water in the bag is a little cloudy, but clears quickly.
4. They will sort themselves out. Most gravels with varying size do to some degree.

[Crispino Ramos]

the above response is right, I don't like to add gravel over it - it would look ugly when the gravel starts mixing with the substrate. it's better to make it look uniform (same color, texture and size). the layering looks unsightly when viewed from the side of the glass.

[tackful]

Thanks. Just got 2 bags of Eco-Complete and some sand, which I was thinking of using in the front of the tank, which will be unplanted. I guess I'll have to see how it goes.

[Hollygirl]

I have Eco-Complete in all of my tanks. The above info goes for me too - I don't rinse it and the cloudiness goes away once you get the filter going. If you like the look of sand then you can certainly top it off, but it isn't necessary.

[odinthejd]

I wouldnt top off because after a while it will look bad and will be hard to get the gravel or whatever out.

[tackful]

Just came across a timely recommendation while thumbing through the ADA catalog. Takashi Amano suggests using a cardboard partition to completely separate sand and soil when installing a new substrate. This seems a much better idea than simply spreading sand on top of the Eco-Complete.