Flourite, Eco-Complete

mysticmikie

mysticmikie

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Jan 17, 2009
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Hello. I'm in the process of starting up a 55 gal planted aquarium with high lighting and pressurized co2. As far as a substrate I want to keep it simple. What I would like to know is what is better Flourite or Eco-Complete and why? Also, how do they preform against SMS? At this point I am concerned with performance not cost. Thanks.
 
I used Eco on one of my tanks, and have plain gravel in the other but with a Laterite base. It is how the plants are cared for after that counts.
IMO--The most important thing is light, then nutrients, then subtrate.
 
Thanks. I have the lighting. And I will be EI dosin' (been doin' a lot of research into that). What I'm intrested in is which is better for the plants? Which one provides for better for root growth? Which one will provide macros and micros the longest in the highest concentrations? And so on...
 
Right now, I have tanks with different substrates - gravel, flourite, eco-complete, sms and ADA. I notice the plants growing in ADA soil look best; I would judge Eco-Complete in the second place.
 
ada soil is the only commercial available product with the macros. this is why you have to cycle it as it kicks off ammonia. topsoil is more diy but personally think its the best. sms/turface has a high carbon exchange capacity then eco/flourite, which as i understand it has the abillity to take in the ferts and release them to the plants as needed. depending on what plants you are adding it might be a good idea to also use root tabs.
 
Thanks Mgamer20o0. I'm planing on using root tabs (which ones to be further resurched).

Are you saying that overall SMS out proforms eco and flourite? And could you tell me more about mineralized topsoil? I have read about it but to be honest I have forgoten what I have read about it.
 
mysticmikie said:
At this point I am concerned with performance not cost. Thanks.
Click to expand...

ADA soil would definitely be the substrate you want then. I know you don't have it listed as a choice but thought I'd give it another vote.
 
myswtsins said:
ADA soil would definitely be the substrate you want then. I know you don't have it listed as a choice but thought I'd give it another vote.
Click to expand...

With ADA would I have to put anything on top of it (ie sand...ect)?
 
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