Substrate - do I need Flourite?

[99RedSi]

Originally posted by plantbrain
I've done 3 tanks with Florutie and 1 with onyx using non CO2 methods.
I feel the tank looks and functions better than even the best soil tank non CO2.

It really becomes apparent as the substrate ages. Soil substrates tend to wear out and lose much the needed aspects. Flourite seems to get better as it gets older(I've had Fluorite in some tanks for 8 years or so).

And it's less risky, less maintenance, easier for new folks to do and easily duplicated. I think it's a better solution to a non CO2 soil tank.

Regards,
Tom Barr

How about Onyx in a non-CO2 low-light tank? The price isn't an issue just maintanence. I have little time but would like the best of both worlds (some plants but not enough to need constant attention, less frequent water changes because of the plants, etc). Just trying to find a happy medium

 

[plantbrain]

I only did an Onyx non CO2 tank for two years.

I cannot really make a comment on it as of yet, but I do have 2- 4 gallon cube tanks that are of this type but they are new.

I'm reluctant to make strong statements about non CO2 tanks. Things happen too slow to be more certain and simply having a good feel for plant growth and tank health is more a skill aquired through experience, I cannot tell someone this, it must be shown.

With faster CO2 growth etc, I can be more certain about what happens.

But I'd say the onyx does/will do the same as the flourite. I certainly prefer it over soil in Non CO2 set ups.

Many folks will comment on things when they use CO2 set ups. This is perhaps not a fair comparison since methods, routines are quite different for different reasons in non CO2 tanks.

Fortunately, I've found the substrates need not be different.

Regards,
Tom Barr