Best Substrate for Planting

carlyleigh

carlyleigh

AC Members
Feb 16, 2008
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Hey there,

My tanks have always contained gravel substrate and used it happily for many years but have decided now that i would quite like a very natural tank with lots of plants....

What is the best substrate for this purpose and can I change substrate while tank is already inhabited?.....

Might sound like a dumb question but I would like other opinions...
 
you can swap the substrate.. but it will be stressful and certainly not easy.

i recommend Eco-complete.. it's about 15 bucks a bag, and does wonders for planted tanks. really looks nice.
 
I also have eco complete and love the look of it. If you want to get technical then many people use layers of different substrates or mixes. In fact at aquaticplantcentral.com there's a section completely devoted to the science of substrates. Definatly worth a look.

I agree with JDR, swapping substrates while the tank is inhabited is a PITA! If you can move the inhabitants out for a day or so while you make the switch, it's not as bad.
 
I just researched this extensively and while I am sure you would be happy with Eco-Complete you also might want to look at Florite. It is less expensive and available as a sand if you prefer. Also the feedback I got from various sources including some that sell both products was that plants do better with Florite. I switched out the substrate with fish in with no harmful effects. I did rinse the florite extensively before putting it into the tank.
 
California Roll said:
I just researched this extensively and while I am sure you would be happy with Eco-Complete you also might want to look at Florite. It is less expensive and available as a sand if you prefer. Also the feedback I got from various sources including some that sell both products was that plants do better with Florite. I switched out the substrate with fish in with no harmful effects. I did rinse the florite extensively before putting it into the tank.
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wish I could find someplace to get about 6-8 bags(need enough to do a 55g and maybe a 29g) of that Flourite Black Sand or even Eco-Complete shipped cheap,most places want almost as much for shipping as the substrate itself. I have one tank with regular Flourite and the plants are doing pretty good,was a pain to wash,wash and wash some more though
 
Now the biggie.... I'm in the Uk will I be able to get it here.....Anyone in the UK got any idea's......

OOps answered my own question yes I can.... but nowhere close by mail order it looks like..............
 
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I am looking to change my substrate for my new 37G in my home office. I was at petsmart today and wanted to get some suggestions first here since I know petsmart people don't know crap. Plus, I wanted to make a smart descision so researching before buying is best.
 
Fluorite and Eco-complete are my favorite, as for plant results I get the complete opposite, even with flourish. I get minimal to melted plants in my 29 gallon. My 10 gallon shrimp tank with fluorite is thriving.
 
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