Black flourite vs. eco-complete

NorthcoastGirl

NorthcoastGirl

Proud Fish Geek
Oct 28, 2009
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The Rust Belt
Is there any noticable difference between the two? Besides the price? If the eco-complete is far superior as a planting substrate I won't mind paying the extra- but I have the red flourite in my tank now and my plants grow wonderfully in it. I know there's no rinsing with the eco-complete, but that's not enough to justify the extra cost, lol. Has anybody had any experience with the two?
 
for plant growth i'm not sure tom barr might have done a test on it thought. ive used both and i likes eco-complete just because i didn't have to wash it (and when your in a college dorm that a plus). also when i first got into the hobby it was one of the few substrates that was black but now with florite black i would go with that even if you have to wash it.
 
coach_z said:
I like eco-complete, i have it in my 30 gallon....but next time i start a planted tank i am simply going to use pool filter sand with DIY root tabs, so my suggestion is use pool filter sand with DIY root tabs
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have to agree especially if i was going for a low light set up. i think the only thing that flourite and eco have going for them in higher iron content and the ability to absorb nutrients from the water column and disperse them to plan roots. in most low light tanks that really doesn't mater as long as you use root tabs
 
I have tried all kinds of subtrates before and I agree that there is no "Miracle" subtrate. My plants grow great!!! and I give lots away to fellow hobbiest and LFS. All the subtrates will work well depending on the plants, lights, ferts, CO2, and root-feeding.
 
They are equal in growing plants, ime. Just pick out what you like best in terms of looks and price.
 
I'm no help, I run a mixture of both in my tanks. Seldom enough on hand locally to provide enough substrate for plants and I am not good at waiting. Good luck.
 
I have not yet tried flourite but I am currently using eco-complete in my ten gallon and it is more like a dirt than a sand. It will get stirred up and form a cloud of dirt when it is disturbed and it takes a while to clear when you first put it in your tank.

I have not had it long enough to comment on it's ability to grow plants.
 
Jspigs said:
I have not yet tried flourite but I am currently using eco-complete in my ten gallon and it is more like a dirt than a sand. It will get stirred up and form a cloud of dirt when it is disturbed and it takes a while to clear when you first put it in your tank.

I have not had it long enough to comment on it's ability to grow plants.
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never had that happen to me it has always been like sand or grit. what i had happen was there was a lot of referent sizes of gravel from around the size of a small marble to really fine sand. also it wasn't pure black. as i understand this was supposed to be a bad batch but i've used a few times since then i've had the same problem.

besides flourite can be worse for cloudy water if you don't wash it enough but as long as you have the filter on it should go away.
 
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