Fluorite

[angyles]

clay decomposes? I've never heard of flourite being "decomposable matter"

it's just clay. from seachems website "Flourite®will not soften or decompose to an unsuitable state"

 

[bazil323]

I see no problem mixing it. I've mixed substrates with regular gravel, laterite, and even sand without any problem, and using those cheaper (gravel or sand) options help to stretch your dollar. Besides, you'll eventually need to dose ferts even if using a pure Flourite or Eco Complete, etc. plant substrate as the plants will be gradually eating up the ferts that are in it.

My advice for rinsing is to put the substrate in a pillow case that you are okay with throwing out. Somebody suggested it in another thread a while back, and it really works great. Much easier to stir and rinse than using a bucket. Just make sure you don't accidentally dump it out!

 

[nvision]

flourite does not decompose.

and i've washed tons of it, both fine gravel and sand, for years. i just couldn't understand all this fuss with washing it. this is what i do... get a bucket and pour in about 1/3 bag at a time. swirl good and here's the key tip: do not wait too long for the smudge to settle. i usually wait at most 2-3 seconds for the larger chunks to settle, then pour away the rest. what goes out are the finer pieces which causes the cloudiness when you re-agitate the tank due to rescaping, maintenance, etc.

this method is quicker, cleaner, and will also cause a loss of about 10% of your stock. after the wash water settles, you'll see a pile of mud. you could say it's a bit wasteful, but this will help you achieve crystal clear water and less pain going forward. i have never experienced cloudy water which lasts overnight even after a complete scape overhaul.

 

[angyles]

flourite does not decompose.

and i've washed tons of it, both fine gravel and sand, for years. i just couldn't understand all this fuss with washing it. this is what i do... get a bucket and pour in about 1/3 bag at a time. swirl good and here's the key tip: do not wait too long for the smudge to settle. i usually wait at most 2-3 seconds for the larger chunks to settle, then pour away the rest. what goes out are the finer pieces which causes the cloudiness when you re-agitate the tank due to rescaping, maintenance, etc.

this method is quicker, cleaner, and will also cause a loss of about 10% of your stock. after the wash water settles, you'll see a pile of mud. you could say it's a bit wasteful, but this will help you achieve crystal clear water and less pain going forward. i have never experienced cloudy water which lasts overnight even after a complete scape overhaul.

ditto! this is how I wash all my substrates and cloudyness has never been a problem for more than a few hours. The goal is to get anything that's willing to stay floating, out of the water. I usually wear rubber gloves and dig in there with my hands to really get stuff moving, wait 2 seconds and then dump. Yes you lose so of your stuff, but if it's willing to float, toss it out!

 

[Hebily]

Flourite may not produce hydrogen sulfide when it decomposes. I don't know. I do know that it will decompose. There are two problems with your logic. One, for something to not decompose, it would be inert. Things that are inert do not fertilize. Two, you say that it is 'just clay' and say that clay doesn't decompose. Go ahead and google the phrase 'decomposition of clay' and read the thousands of articles about how clay doesn't decompose.

 

[angyles]

clay is just small mineral particles. Flourite is considered inert.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Correct.
Flourite is indeed 'inert.' It is a porous clay gravel with a higher mineral content that plants can use. It is not organic and will not decompose...ever.

 

[jpappy789]

O...k...

so no that its settled that fluorite does not decompose, I've decided to not mix and will not layer.

But the terracing idea is sort of what I had in mind Star rider although Im not sure what to use to separate the substrates.

Also, sort of off topic but not really...anyone have any idea where to find cheap sand that isnt low grade play sand. Id really like to find something close to white but not in 5lb bags for almost $10...or 25 bucks for 20 lbs if possible.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Pool filter sand is the next best thing. I got 50 lbs for $7-8. (Home Depot)

 

[jpappy789]

None of the HDs in my area carry pool filter sand from what Ive seen, and the local pool place has some for cheap but I have some in my 55 gallon and its closer to play sand color.