SUBSTRATE FAVORITES?

I love eco complete. It looks great and grows plants well. Only thing is it's price. In my larger tanks I have started using sand. I find it difficult to anchor the plants (probably just me) but like the way it looks. I haven't had it in long enough to make a complete comparison...but don't think my plants are doing quite as well even with root tabs. In the end...go with what you think looks nice that you can afford.

I wanted to mention my cory cats have always done find on eco complete...never had an issue.
 
Go with eco-complete!!!
Just bought some for the 1st time, and impressed with results.:D
 
Ecocomplete is nice but can get expensive if you have a large tank. ADA is just insane, price wise.

If you get the hankering for DIY, mineralized topsoil is the way to go. It negates the need for root tabs, and basically just gives you the benefit of using actual soil in the tank without the massive algae issues/decaying organics that usually come with dropping fresh potting soil/topsoil in the tank. Easily my favorite, since I'm always looking for the most cost-effective method.
 
I've got river (pea) gravel in a natural color palette. The corys are happy, and it's easier to vacuum it, and Garyfla's right - for plants, it's the light that matters, not the substrate. You can use root tabs and Leaf Zone (API) additive once a week, and with enough light, you'll be fine.
 
Mineralized soil substrate and 3M Black colorquartz (or any dark color sand) as the top layer for me also. I have it in a 75G, 55G, and several tanks under 10G. You'll be busy cutting back all of the lush plant growth.
 
I'd go with plantbrain's ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia suggestion. It is probably the best there is. There are Amazonia I and II as well as powder versions. Also, ADA has released a new version of Amazonia: http://www.adgshop.com/Aqua_Soil_Amazonia_II_p/104-020.htm

From: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...group/77122-ada-prices-new-aqua-soil-new.html
Francis Xavier said:
Great question!

The New Type replaces both Amazonia I and Amazonia II and exceeds the performance of both due in large part to developments in the manufacturing process.

Basically it has hard grain shells similar to Amazonia I, which previously were not able to be applied to Amazonia II - the harder shell with the higher nutrient composition used to contribute to the initial water cloudiness burst.

So essentially, now with the harder granule shell, the high nutrient content of Amazonia I, and the ability to keep the water clear like Amazonia II, as well as reduce the pH like Amazonia II did (Amazonia I could always reduce water hardness, just not as much as Amazonia II), the NEW Amazonia basically offers the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...

From: http://www.adgshop.com/
Attention! The New Container order is scheduled to arrive in 4-5 weeks. Out of Stock items will be listed as in stock once more! We can take pre-orders of out of stock items. Please view our new lower shipping rates on all Aqua Soil - 50% cheaper than before. We're also offering a discount on pre-order Aqua Soil 9 L bags, normally priced at $28, this special pre-order price is $25.99 and ships the same day we receive it!

Aqua Soil: http://www.adgshop.com/Aqua_Soil_s/21.htm



AFA is another ADA vendor: http://www.adana-usa.com/
Aqua Soil: http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?main_page=afa_product&cPath=12_21
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom