A question about substrate depth

scottracy

scottracy

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Jan 3, 2004
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How many bags of eco-complete (20 lb bags) or flourite (15 lb bags) would I need for my long and narrow 55g to obtain a substrate depth of at least 4 inches. Another thought is to have a depth of 5 inches in the back to around 1.5 inches in the front. Thanks!

Scott
 
60lbs. will do it. 75lbs. would be better.
This will give you about 4 -5" in the rear and 11/2 or so in the front.
To help with cost, you can go with combining 20lbs. of Profile/Turface/Schultz Aquatic Substrate and mix it in with the Flourite well while dry and then rinse well and lay it in.
I have had super results with that OR using the cheapy, small diameter gravel mixed with Flourite @ a ratio of about two parts Flourite and one part Flourite, with a dusting of peat moss on the bottom.

Len
 
I have 140#s of eco-complete. Got it for less than $15/bag. The LFS that sold it to me assured me over the phone that they had 12 bags of flourite on the floor. With this info I drove through Houston traffic for an hour to find no bags of flourite in stock. They sold the eco-complete to me for the same price as the flourite. Probably a second choice for many but I have read some very positive things about it and time/ distance can be a factor! I hope to have the changes made and CO2 running by the end of the week. I need to add alot more plants. Any suggestions?

Scott
 
I found one surfing google that goes:
Length x Width x Desired Substrate depth/20=lbs. of substrate

It was for sand so not sure if it applies to other substrates.

Also found 15lbs (1 bag) per 10 gallons for approximately 3" depth.

Scott
 
I've never used it, but have heard from many that Eco Complete is good stuff. I think you got a good deal on a good substrate.

How many watts are you going to have over the tank?

BTW, how did you make out with the adapters for the needle valve?

Len
 
Lighting:
CF 2 X 65W 6700K bulbs

Called the Clippard distributor in Houston this a.m. and they have the adapters in stock. Comes 10/pack. I'll cruise down there and pick them up this afternoon! Got this huge catalog from Clippard in the mail today. Everything you ever wanted to know about pneumatic and electronic control devices but were afraid to ask!

Scott
 
:D :D :D :D Gotta smile at the one:D :D :D :D :D
I've been dealing with them for quite a while and almost every time I even call, they send me that catalog. The dang thing is almost the size of the Philly phone book and chocked full of information I couldn't care less about.

With that lighting, you should be very happy with your results.
If you haven't already done so, lay in a fine layer of peat moss before adding the substrate.
Stuff the tank with plants(as many fast growers as possible).
Crank up the CO2 and turn on the lights.
In about a week you'll be ready for fish and LIGHT fertilization.

Len
 
here's something you might want to check out.

From what I've read your substrate does not need to be more than 3" deep. My thinking is that deeper substrate would give your plants more room for roots, but apparently that's not the case.
 
I have read many reviews on eco-complete with most being positive. Of course some were negative but not to the extent of this post http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop....=4686048124&m=341102924&r=510109234#510109234

I have hard water as well but not nearly that high with pH of 7.6.

If anyone else has ever heard of this let me know before I use it! I think it had to be something besides the eco that caused his problems.

Scott
 
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