Substrate Selection - Suggestions?

DGalt

DGalt

AC Members
Jun 1, 2008
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Connecticut
I should probably just make a rescape thread instead of all of these random ones, but I just keep thinking of things lol (I should really be studying for my 2 exams tomorrow bah! :eek3:)

So since everything is going to be coming out of the tank anyway, I might as well entertain the idea of changing the substrate (or at least some of it).

Right now my substrate is gravel on top of Schultz Aquatic Soil. I don't really know if the Schultz has done much, plants have taken root but beyond that it's all guess work to me.

I don't really want to spend a lot of any type of substrate, but I do like how the dark substrate looks in comparison to the natural orange/beige/yellow colored stuff that's in the tank right now. Could I lay a dark substrate on top of the schultz (don't really know what that would be), or would that just look weird (the Schultz is also a redish/orangish clay color)

I don't really know if it's worth the effort because ultimately you shouldn't be able to see the substrate (at least not if everything goes according to plan) but I figured I'd at least entertain the idea
 
I ordered Eco-Complete from drsfostersmith, with their flat-rate shipping its not terribly expensive if you combine it with other things. Think about everything you need for your tank, it might be worth it to put in one big order, it worked out pretty well for me.
 
what is the difference between Soilmaster Select and Schultz Aquatic soil? I know that both are supposed to be good because of cation exchange and that neither has the same nutrient value (to start out with) of like flourite, but is there any specific differences between the two? Is one better than the other?
 
I use soilmaster select and it is more like gravel. I like it but I wish it was a little heavier. I have never used Schultz Aquatic soil but its my understanding its more like dirt then gravel. (someone correct me if I'm wrong) Also Soilmaster Select prettt cheap. I got around 50lbs for $20.
 
Well I have schultz in my tank right now...its kinda like tiny little pieces of "something" (don't know what it is).

I was considering changing the substrate because of I like the darker color better, but I'm just wondering if there are any other benefits to SMS over Schultz or vice versa
 
I believe the SMS is very similar to the shultz stuff - small grained fired clay. The SMS can come in a charcoal color though, whereas the shultz only comes in the buff color I believe? Functionally speaking I think they're about the same.
 
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