What is substrate and how do I use it?

[svf]

I have eco-complete in my 56. Although it is rather expensive, I really like it for planted tanks. I have flourite in 2 other tanks - it comes in a couple of different natural colors and is also wonderful for planted tanks. I have plain aquarium gravel in the two remaining tanks - also works very well.
Although I like the look of sand in a tank, I have not tried it. I have heard that it is harder to clean and could develop pockets of decaying debris called "anerobic pockets" These can release gasses into the tank that may or may not be helpful.
HTH.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

If using sand, try not to go much deeper than an inch for the reasons stated above.

 

[kamikaze_fish]

If using sand, try not to go much deeper than an inch for the reasons stated above.

I'm about to show more of my newb-ness.

These pockets of stuff make sense to me but if it was like, in gravel instead of sand. Where does a person go to get some of these other substrates such as pool filter sand? I'm still trying to get a decent pic of what I have, it's just been a busy week.

 

[petluvr]

Pool filter sand can be found at any pool supply store as well as some lowes and home depot. I have play sand in mine the kind that go in a sandbox and it works just fine