What is the best substrate for plants ?

[The Crazy Ape]

Planted aquariums are not only healthy for your fishes, it also without question creates a better overall environment in your aquarium.

The substrate you use can really make a difference in the way your plants grow and look.

What do you feel is the best brand or combination of materials to use for this purpose. ? I have just always used Eco-Complete, but this may not be the best choice.

 

[dougall]

Depends on plants and needs...

Organic soil works well... but I wouldn't suggest using it for anyone who has to ask.

 

[FreshyFresh]

What plants do you plan on keeping? I've had simple stuff like swords, water sprite and wisteria go nuts when grown in Caribsea FloraMax substrate, but it's a dusty substrate. Then again, I've had rooted plants do very well in ordinary gravel as well. My latest tank with plants has just a fine grain natural gravel. I have some basic liquid ferts on hand and have used root tabs.

 

[myswtsins]

I agree with the above. There is no one substrate that's perfect in every situation. Depends on plants, budget, personal preference, livestock etc. My go to substrate is Oil-Dri cause it's cheap, dark, has always preformed well for me and I keep a lot of crypts. But if I had a tank with little to no rooted plants and say a school of cories I would prefer a uniform black sand (black cause I prefer dark substrates).