milesm,
Last time i bought AS, it was 26$ for a 9L bag...which covered as much as i'd say 2 eco-complete bags.
Secondly, i think Tom meant that even though he has the finacials to purchase any substrate or make any, he prefers the AS(which is cheaper than other "aquarium soils") per volume.
Granted i find that my AS breaks down alittle, i've gotten decent growth for my first tank. At the same time i just set up a 15g out on my deck(naturally lit, outside, with just a small circulation pump) with peat moss and soilmaster select and am getting amazing growth from my low maintence plants out there.
I already purchased through a group buy additional AS bags for my next tank cause it ended up being cheaper than almost all the other aquairum products(not cheaper than SMS, dirt, sand, etc). I like both though and I'd probably recommend SMS or equivilant if dosing ferts since you get good bang for buck and they age well IMSE (in my short experience).
Use what you like. I like trying everything before making up my mind cause personal experience is worth it now in the day of the interweb forum(granted they can definetly help steer you in a good direction).
__________________
Eheim Pimp #216
|