Now now guys...let's play nice. There is really no need for all this, especially since it can lead to even more misunderstandings!
The bottom line is that when setting up a planted tank, you choose wether you want to use sand/regular gravel or a specialized substrate. The first option is hands down the least expensive considering a 50lbs bag of sand will cost you about $10.
If you choose to go the other route there is no doubt you will get better results but it will also cost you more. But how much? Well its simple...
I have a standard 90g with a 18x48 footprint that i will use as an example. It seems everyone agrees that your primary choices would either be Flourite, eco-complete or ADA AS. Here is the basic cost breakdown for my tank at an average dept of 3' (according to substrate calculator at top of page and adgshop.com/Dr F&S prices):
- Flourite
I would need 90lbs or 6 bags @ $19/each. Total = $114 + shipping
- Eco-complete
I would need 144lbs or 7 bags @ $22/each. Total = $154 + shipping
- ADA AS
I woud need 36L or 4 bags @ $26/each. Total = $104 + $34 shipping = $138
I could not figure out the shipping cost for the first 2 options but some of you can get it locally - so no shipping. Still, it turns out AS is not as expensive as it first seemed! Now this may turn out differently depending on the size of your tank but it will nonetheless give you a good idea on how to proceed.
The funny thing about all this is that I have 100lbs of sand in my tank for $20. Sure it works, but things could be better. Now I want to switch to a more specialised substrate. So initially going with the sand to save some cash will end up costing me more...about 20 bucks more or so!
JP