Eco-Complete vs. Anything as good that's cheaper ?

[Jag1980]

What is Eco-Complete?

Is there a product out there that is just as good and cheaper than Eco-Complete that has the same natural look?

I'm looking for something that will last a long time, the same amount of times as Eco-Complete or a Fluorite substrate.

The cheapest bag of Eco-Complete shipped to me is $22.00 plus $10 shipping.
Local store prices are between $35.00 and $42.00 plus tax...

 

[bkw1982]

soilmaster select was the big dog for cheap substrates, but i think it has been discontinued. In its place is Turf pro products. If you find soilmaster, usually sold at lasco, its like 15 bucks for 50lbs. The new Turf pro i hear is like 24 or so for the same size.

Ive never personally used soilmaster, the stupid guy at lasco wanted to charge me 33 bucks to have it shipped to his store. At some other sites there were good reviews on soilmaster select, and i hear tell Turf pro and soilmaster are the same thing.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

turface or sms is light in weight other then that its good. you looking for like black or what?

 

[jmhart]

SMS is good. Schultz Aquatic Soil is also good, similar to SMS, except it only comes in red/clay

 

[Jag1980]

I was really looking for something black or natural looking.
The Eco-Complete looks very natural for a planted tank.

I like the cost and grain size of the SMS but it looks Gray and that might not look very natural. I live in Washington and I'm not sure I would be able to find it..

 

[Mgamer20o0]

its not that bad.

sms

 

[Jag1980]

Looks pretty good actually, I was expecting a more lighter color of gray., but it looks pretty dark in the picture.

I read on another forum that the SMS "Charcoal" is no longer available?

 

[jmhart]

Lesco has been the retailer of SMS for years, but they've discontinued carrying it in favor of the product Turface. I beleive Turface also comes in charcoal.

As far as "natural" looking substrates, all of your major plant substrates are going to have about the same level of "natural"-ness. The color may vary, just as it does in nature. Once put in the water, they will all look good, it just depends on which you like best.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yes it does and people say its the same thing. sms is really dirty. once wash it gets a lot darker.

 

[msjinkzd]

I really like SMS, I still have 75lbs of it in my basement. Turface is supposed to be very similar and just a little bit more expensive. That being said, my eco complete is still my favorite over the sms and flourite.