Substrate? What type -- please help need to buy tongiht

[lokobreed]

Hi

My 50 gallon tank is ready to go and needs substrate which I must get tommorow for speacial reasons.

I want the tank to be semi (little bit more than semi) planted, and I am wondering what is the best substrate that most people recommend for a somewhat expereince fish hobbyist that is good for plants to grow in and for bottom feeders like loaches and cats.

Also the overall feel of the tank I want is like a natural feel so also what would do that the best?

Thanks

[EvanH]

FINE GRAIN!! boy did i learn that the hard way! i have sand colored fine grain substrate... get something slightly smaller than the usual florecent gravel they sell...

[aquariumfishguy]

Get a fine gravel which has a natural color...you know the kind, which has a tan, whitish look to it. Get that in 1/4" inch or so. Plants can do fine in it IME, but they need special requirements such as special lighting, and proper nutrients.

[NGerdes]

Black Onyx Sand. I like the black color, and it is made for plants.

[aquariumfishguy]

While some find sand interesting & neat, I wouldnt recommend it. Especially not for beginners who are in experimenting stage. Sand has lots of extra tasks and burdens involved, but it might be something to try down the road, who knows...:confused:

[Leopardess]

If you want to spend the money and get a good substrate that looks good and is "soft" I'd also recommend the Black Onyx sand.

I use Schultz's Aquatic Soil (aka Profile) from Home Depot and its easy on my cories barbels and whatnot though it does look pretty sharp...

[Lauren]

black sand looks awesome in tanks, expecially ones with plants. It really brings out the color of your fish too. That's what I'd get.

[beviking]

You say "natural feel" so you are asking about mixed colors of browns with some lighter and darker colors in it? If so, Leopardesss' suggestion would work. Check out her beautiful tank pix for what it looks like. Some complain that it is light and hard to keep plants down but she has no problem with it.
I almost went that route but opted for Onyx sand which is more slate gray than black, which in some parts of the world is natural.

Good luck!

[lokobreed]

Ok I have to decide to night in about 2 hours for personal reasons so Id truly appreaciate anyones help...

After hearing opinions from aquayhobby.com, plantedtank.net and aquariacentral.com I have heard people recommend all the below except the "Flora Base" substrate, but Id like to know everyones opionion on these below whcih you think is the best for plants and bottom feeders (cats loaches)...

* I will probably buy 2-3 bags, because I cant afford the needed to use for all my tank, of which ever chossen substrate you all recommend and mix it with my left over gravel ... Or if you guys think mixing any of these substrates would benefit anything let me know also

HERE ARE THE CHOICES:

Flourite
Porous clay substrate that eliminates the need for laterite in your planted tanks

Onyx Substrate
Uniquely porous substrate for marine and freshwater planted tanks

First Layer Pure Laterite
Perfect planting substrate for a natural planted aquarium

Flora Base
This plant substrate maintains a stable pH between 6.5 and 7.0; ideal for most aquatic plants

Volcanit
pH-neutral plant substrate of volcanic origin; enhances the beauty of aquarium plants and the colors of fish

Eco-Complete Plant Substrate
Contains all mineral nutrients needed for luxuriant aquatic plant growth

Profile


Id apreciate any of the help
Thanks