Fluorite Lifespan?

[mkbuckham]

I had a 55 up and running for about 16 months and then tore it down a few weeks ago. The substrate was fluorite and the tank was very lightly planted. I am going to set the tank up again in December and was wondering if I should replace the fluorite? I am going to have pygmy chain or the like as a ground cover for most of the tank.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

if it isnt broke dont fix it. dont think there is any reason to replace it.

 

[mkbuckham]

great that money is going to lighting then

 

[Mgamer20o0]

light and co2 tends to always be a better investment. there is always root tabs.

 

[jmhart]

Yeah, baked clay substrates last a long time, "the life of the tank", which means 10 or 15 years. It's when you get into organic based substrates that you have to worry about replacing every 2-3 years.

 

[Gbbudd]

I'm going on 5 years with florite in heavily planted tank yes i have added a little fresh florite every sooften but only to bury roots . the second to last page shows .pigmy chain in old florite. yes lighting and c02 are crutial for a successful planted tank in my book anyways. PALDARIUM VIVARIUM I'M UNSURE BUT I THINK YOU'LL LIKE