seachem flourite

debaric

debaric

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Feb 2, 2006
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N.J.
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How expensive will it be to use Flourite as a substrate in a 75 gallon tank? Also, is it even worth it for a tank that will not have CO2 injection and 1.7 wpg? I would like to have a tank with Java Fern,J Moss, Vals, Crypts, anubias, and maybe some grasses that will probably do better with flourite.
Obviously its going to be a low-med lit tank with hardy plants.
 
I'd skip it and just buy some fert tabs. If there's a Lesco store near you, see if you can get some Soilmaster Select. It's not nutrient rich, but it's inexpensive, small grained, and looks great.
 
A couple of thoughts. Crypts, vals and grasses will like a nice bottom. So do swords and a number of other plants. Even if you may not start with them, down the road you may want to up your light etc etc and do other things. it is way easier to start now with a good substrate than have to redo one in a going tank.

There are all kinds of routes to go besides fluorite that will yield good results. I have always used laterite which gets mixed into the bottom 1/3 of whatever substrate you chooose. It is not costly, cheap to ship and works with sand or gravel.
 
I have had great results with just using the flourite. The plants dont really even need the CO2. Not cheap though.
 
Flourite will/can cost you anywhere between $15 - $25 a bag and you'd need a minimum of 5 bags, maybe 6, IMO for a nice substrate banked back to front.
There is a product called 'Turface' or 'Schultz Aquatic Soil' that is very, very similar to Flourite....a bit lighter, but far less expensive and again, IMO worth the savings if you are financially challenged.
The difference in weight means it's a bit more difficult to plant in because it doesn't hold them in place as well, and gravel vacing is a bit trickier. The good news is that it is loaded with nooks and crannies (CEC) which enables it to give housing to good bacteria that are very beneficial to the tank's environment. Over time these nooks and crannies fill up which makes the substrate heavier and easier to work in.
I use both Flourite and Schultz and, in a big tank would either mix the two or go with the Schultz alone if finances dictate that route. I'm happy with both.
If I remember correctly Schultz was going for about $15 a bag which was approx. 40lbs. in weight. This would run you about $30 for your tank, a considerable savings.

Len
 
you can just buy the dry fertilizers from gregwatson.com :D
s'what I do now ...

Makes me think all the flourite people are suckers.
 
I mix my fluorite with playsand to stretch it. I put 50 lbs of pool filter sand and 3 bags of fluorite in my 75. I was happy with the results. I use roottabs and ferts too. fluorite's not a substitute for any of the others.
Be sure to wash it good..and it's a PIA to wash.
I find it's pricey locally. I buy mine off www.bigalsonline.com
Even with the shipping it's cheaper for me than going to the lfs and buying it.
 
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