Eco complete users please help

[Hannys_Papa]

OK i'll try to make it quick:
I want to set up another small planted tank in which i can mess with kH, pH, light, ferts, CO2 etc - because it will be fish free untill i get a grip on planted tanks.

1) Is 1 bag of Eco complete enough for a 15G (24x12 footprint) ? Its so pricey...
2) Concerning the consistency - if its somewhat sand like - does one has to be worried about anerobic pockets ?
3) If yes - how do you deal with that ? If the tank is planted - you cant really poke around in the substrate all the time can you?
4) (probably the best question of all) Once i get fish and there are areas without plants - does it show fish poop very much ? Is it as hard to vacuum as sand ?

Thanks guys - you are great.

 

[reiverix]

It depends on how deep you want the substrate. But it would take two bags if you want the substrate to be a few inches deep. You can always mix in some plain black substrate. That's what I done.

Grain size is not uniform. Some grains are sands like. Most are larger and it gives the appearance of a gravel rather than a sand. There's no need to worry about anaerobic pockets. At least no more than any other gravel substrate. Same goes for vacuuming it. I tend to just skim the surface to pick up loose particles.

 

[TetraFreak]

I use it in my Tall 25 tank and here's how I set it up...


Placed it in tank & spread it out evenly,
topped it off with a fine black gravel.

This way you have the benefits of the eco and the gravel above gives everything a nive even look.

 

[hurricanejedi]

I just put mine in last night. I find it to be more sandy than gravely but there are certainly some gravel particles. I'd stir it up with a skewer or something before you vacuum to release anything in the sand. Then vacuum (haven't done it yet but also afraid it would get sucked up the vacuum). Once its planted the plants are supposed to neutralize any pockets that might form. I'm also thinknig about getting some trumpet snails as they burrow into the sand and mix it up (the other thread present).

 

[budrecki]

Just changed out my 180g and added eco. The plants are going crazy! I've never had this kind of growth before.

 

[reiverix]

I find it to be more sandy than gravely but there are certainly some gravel particles.

The finer grains will move to the bottom layer in time. Still looks good though.

 

[Hannys_Papa]

Wow - great answers everyone.
Does anyone have specific recommendations when it comes to black gravel ?
The reason i ask - i have this "hideous" blue gravel in my other tank (another thing i need to change... but putting it off) - and now thats its been in there for 4-5 months it actually looks like some looses the blue coating (chipping off too when i do gravel vacs). Whatever it is - it looks like white rocks and some even look like glass - that was coated with that blue resin.
Needless to say its bad and i dont want something similar happen to the black gravel i mix in with the eco.

 

[reiverix]

I mixed in about 30% Estes black gravel with my eco. I have found a few pieces where the black coating has been chipped off and it's white underneath. It's barely noticable though and doesn't take away anything from the overall look.

 

[hurricanejedi]

Wow - great answers everyone.
Does anyone have specific recommendations when it comes to black gravel ?
The reason i ask - i have this "hideous" blue gravel in my other tank (another thing i need to change... but putting it off) - and now thats its been in there for 4-5 months it actually looks like some looses the blue coating (chipping off too when i do gravel vacs). Whatever it is - it looks like white rocks and some even look like glass - that was coated with that blue resin.
Needless to say its bad and i dont want something similar happen to the black gravel i mix in with the eco.

Colored rocks are artifically coated and will wear down over time like you mentioned. The eco-complete says this is its natural color. Some of the larger pebble/pieces do have some whitish/grey flecks on them but I still don't think they have been coated. I don't think it should be a problem.

 

[IceH2O]

OK i'll try to make it quick:
Its so pricey...

It just looks expensive.

At my Petsmart these are the prices of substrate.

Gravel 1.99 for 2 lbs...thats $1 per pound

Black "Tahitian Moon" sand 19.99 for 20 lbs...thats $1 per pound

Seachem Flourite 24.99 for 15 lbs...thats $1.66 per pound

Eco Complete ...not sure the Petsmart doesn't carry it but from what I understand its usually 20 lbs for mid $20s...would work out around $1.50 per pound or so.

So for 50 cents a lb more you get a much better substrate.