Fluorite

I had it and it was extremely cloudy for a while, but it cleared up well. I also never had a problem with bottom dwellers on it even though it looks pretty sharp. I really prefer Eco-Complete to Flourite though. It seems better for root systems and I also just prefer the look of it.

As far as mixing, I've never tried mixing Flourite, but in my new 29 Amazon setup, I have a 50/50 pool filter sand/Eco-Complete mix that I really like the look of
 
I just added flourite to my tank on Friday. I ran it under the sink about 4 lbs at a time and finally after about one hour I had done 15 lbs (whew). But it must have been enough because although I did get some clouding, it only lasted about 1 1/2 days. Now its pretty clear.
 
Mine was mixed in with sand and gravel, with a 'layer' of gravel 'on top' (I use quotes because both terms layer and on top are arguable). I didn't have problems with cloudiness unless the gravel was disturbed. Fish swimming above it weren't a problem. Shrimp walking on the gravel weren't a problem either. If a bristlenose moved gravel around, it would cloud up a bit.
 
I've both mixed flourite with other substrates, and layered it. The layering was pretty successfull until I rescaped, for obvious reasons. But what I did was lay the flourite, then plant the plants, then layer the sand over top, gently getting around the plants. I didn't use white sand though, I used tahitian moon.
 
putting a solid layer of sand or very fine gravel over decomposible matter (flourite) is dangerous. The sand layer can trap the tiny bubbles of hydrogen sulfide that form from decomp, and cause them to build up until they are released into the water column in too large a quantity and kill fish.
 
putting a solid layer of sand or very fine gravel over decomposible matter (flourite) is dangerous. The sand layer can trap the tiny bubbles of hydrogen sulfide that form from decomp, and cause them to build up until they are released into the water column in too large a quantity and kill fish.

that's why we stir. :grinno:
 
how about terracing
I have a friend who uses slate tiles cut to form walls(can also use slate layered if tank is large enough). he uses flourite or eco in the upper areas and sand in the lower area.
 
poking most likely would.
 
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