Eco-Complete plus...

[EtUxor]

Hi all,

I am planning to make my first serious run at a planted tank. I have a 29gal which has been set up for approx 1 year. I recently added a 65w PC light strip to replace the old 20w hood. I am not using CO2, but may opt for some DIY CO2 in the near future (I am trying Excel for now). I add Flourish 1x per week. Current plants are java ferns, java moss, a few crypts. KH is 8.2; PH 7.5

I have two 20lb bags of Eco-Complete hurtling towards my home in a UPS truck as we speak... Here is my question:

Does anyone use any suppements with Eco-Complete? I am planning to try a formula developed by Luis Navarro; namely, Shultz Aquatic Plant Soil, Peat and carbon as a supplemental first layer to Eco. See

http://www.deepforestaquatics.com/aqua/luis/dallas/

Any thoughts, comments? Has anyone had any experience with this method? I like the idea of adding an organic supplement to the Eco in addition to the mulm already present in the tank. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[reiverix]

Eco complete is perfect as the only substrate in your tank. The steps in the link seems a bit over complicated for me, but if that's your plan then go for it.

 

[pwrflpills]

I prefer to keep it simple. I have 2 bags of eco-complete in my 20 gal and that's it. I also have low light plants (crypts & anubias) and all seem to be just fine. I don't even add supplements or ferts.

They will grow slower than if I had brighter light, but I don't see the point of spending more money to create more maintenance. I certainly don't think you need to do anything more than what you're already doing.

 

[John N.]

There's no need it supplement Eco Complete. Eco complete comes coated with nutrients. You'll need to maybe put some Flourish plant tabs in there after 6+ months. But it is definately fine without any addition.

You'll be better served by dosing the water column with gregwatson fertilzers.
Excel on a 29 will get expensive. Try the DIY CO2 route again, it'll save you some money in the long run.

-John N.