The Planted Tank Forum - Substrate http://www.plantedtank.net/forums Substrate specific questions go here.... en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:49:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg The Planted Tank Forum - Substrate http://www.plantedtank.net/forums Substrate- Changing help/advice? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96869-substrate-changing-help-advice.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:54 GMT Hey all. New here and semi-new to aquascaping.

A friend of mine gave me all her plants from her tank since she's moving. I put the plants in my tank a few days ago.

Then I realized I have NO idea what substrate I am using. I believe it's half eco-complete, and half gravel (Pic included). Can you tell me what I am using, if you can see it through the dirt in the pics, lol

and if this is bad for plants, should I switch out the gravel to add sand substrate or something? What do you suggest? Or what's the best way to have beautifully flourishing plants?

The LFS sold me proper lighting.. Life-Glo I think.. I gotta check the packaging again later.

20 gal tank, bunch of glow-tetras, 1 cory cat (which need to get another), and 1 hi-fin tetra.

please and thank you!
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]]> Substrate Pencil2Print http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96869-substrate-changing-help-advice.html eco complete with 3m color quartz S http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96868-eco-complete-3m-color-quartz-s.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:15:00 GMT Hello everyone, I bought 2 bags of eco-complete plant substrate and have about 100 lbs of 3m quartz black S-grade. I wanted to use the eco for some sort of fertilizer for the plants, but I really like the even colored, sized s-grade to be on the top (looks). I also have a group of corries... Hello everyone,

I bought 2 bags of eco-complete plant substrate and have about 100 lbs of 3m quartz black S-grade. I wanted to use the eco for some sort of fertilizer for the plants, but I really like the even colored, sized s-grade to be on the top (looks). I also have a group of corries being the primary reason.

Will I be able to top off eco-complete with 3m quartz S-grade or will the cq eventually make its way under the eco complete substrate?

Thanks in advance.

-newb ]]> Substrate sehoc http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96868-eco-complete-3m-color-quartz-s.html Want to add sub base of soil to flourite http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96861-want-add-sub-base-soil-flourite.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:02:12 GMT I have an established tank with straight flourite red. What I would like to do is tear all the plants out, remove flourite from tank, put in about half inch of soil and replace most of the flourite. Then I would clean the string algae from the plants and rescape. I would have to put my 8... I have an established tank with straight flourite red. What I would like to do is tear all the plants out, remove flourite from tank, put in about half inch of soil and replace most of the flourite.

Then I would clean the string algae from the plants and rescape.

I would have to put my 8 neon tetras, 3 Chinese algae eaters and mystery snails into a bucket while I do this. Would I need to put an airstone into the bucket? ]]> Substrate oheresy http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96861-want-add-sub-base-soil-flourite.html Substrate Depth?????? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96845-substrate-depth.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:45:30 GMT How much substrate should I have for a planted tank as in how deep should it be??? Thanks How much substrate should I have for a planted tank as in how deep should it be???

Thanks ]]> Substrate archer772 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96845-substrate-depth.html PFS and 3MCQ sources? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96706-pfs-3mcq-sources.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:33:12 GMT I haven't decided between the two, maybe the ease of access will help me make a decision. The closest pool supply store is a little far, is this generally the only type of retailer to find either/both PFS or CQ? ]]> Substrate DrinkTheYeastMix http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96706-pfs-3mcq-sources.html Oildri vs. Turface http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96703-oildri-vs-turface.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:16:49 GMT A lot of people are urging me to pick a clay-based substrate. Finance dictates that it be Turface or Oildri; however, the nearest Turface outlet is 60 miles away and health considerations mean that it will be at least a month before I can get there, Walmart, on the other hand, is 3 miles away! ... A lot of people are urging me to pick a clay-based substrate. Finance dictates that it be Turface or Oildri; however, the nearest Turface outlet is 60 miles away and health considerations mean that it will be at least a month before I can get there, Walmart, on the other hand, is 3 miles away! And wity the price of gasoline, I gotta add $10 to $15 to the cost of the Turface if I go that route.

Someone gave me a sample of Turface, so I wetted the two (after filtering out the fines from the Oildri). The Oildri was twice as big, about appleseed size (a negative) and a darker red (a positive).

I have read testimonials of people who loved Turface as a substrate. How about Oildri? Is there anyone on the forum who has been having great results with it? ]]> Substrate mosasaur http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96703-oildri-vs-turface.html Flourite in old tank? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96674-flourite-old-tank.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:52:15 GMT I have Flourite in an old tank that's been running for about 9 years and in rather neglected condition for the past 5. I'm about to give the tank a complete makeover and am wondering what I should do to the substrate to prepare for it's new life.

Years of fish poo are in there, so the substrate is very rich with mulm. There is also a bit of BBA and a fair bit of diatoms in the tank now. Seems that I wouldn't want to clean away all of the nutritious mulm, however am I significantly increasing the risk of BBA problems in my new tank if I don't blean the substrate? Should I try a weak bleach solution, then neutralize with dechlorinator?

Also, any suggestions of additional substrate fertilization I can add before I rescape the tank? I'll be dosing the water column, but I'd like to supplement.

Thanks!
Jeremy ]]> Substrate Holy Samosa http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96674-flourite-old-tank.html Substrate Mix http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96662-substrate-mix.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:50:26 GMT Well I should be getting one of my reefs tore down soon so I can start working on my planted tank and I have a question. I have about 70 lbs of a mixture of eco complete and flourite and that wont be enough so I was thinking of mixing in some Tahitian Moon Sand how will that work. I have a 4 foot... Well I should be getting one of my reefs tore down soon so I can start working on my planted tank and I have a question. I have about 70 lbs of a mixture of eco complete and flourite and that wont be enough so I was thinking of mixing in some Tahitian Moon Sand how will that work. I have a 4 foot 120 so I am not sure how much I will need but I do like the dark look. ]]> Substrate archer772 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96662-substrate-mix.html Cichlid planted tank http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96621-cichlid-planted-tank.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:32:07 GMT I currently have a 75 gallon tank of african cichlids with an eheim 2217 canister filter, 2 powerheads for added circulation, external heater, lots of holy limestone for decor. The substrate is 40lbs caribsea eco-complete cichlid sand and 40lbs carbisea arga-alive crushed coral. Know of any plants... I currently have a 75 gallon tank of african cichlids with an eheim 2217 canister filter, 2 powerheads for added circulation, external heater, lots of holy limestone for decor. The substrate is 40lbs caribsea eco-complete cichlid sand and 40lbs carbisea arga-alive crushed coral. Know of any plants that would grow in this? Suggestions of how to make changes without draining the tank to remove the entire substrate? I do know some about planted tanks i have a 29 gallon tank fully planted with co2 and the works but to create that tank i had to drain the tank n start it over compeltly and i would like to grow some plants in the 75 but not near like my small tank. oh btw each tank has 4 t5 bulbs the length of the tank so plenty of light for majority of plants. Give me some feedback guys thanks in advance! ]]> Substrate Bhcolex50x http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96621-cichlid-planted-tank.html Straight Flourite http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96612-straight-flourite.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:10:04 GMT Anyone use just straight Flourite as a substrate? I have a bag of flourite black and am getting ready to set up another 10g. Just wondering how well this is all by itself. Anyone use just straight Flourite as a substrate?

I have a bag of flourite black and am getting ready to set up another 10g.

Just wondering how well this is all by itself. ]]> Substrate JoePhish http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96612-straight-flourite.html leaf litter? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96589-leaf-litter.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:30:14 GMT Hello everyone:icon_smil basically what the title says,can I use leafm litter for my tank and if so how do I prepare it so it doesn't rot in about 3 days time? ]]> Substrate newt767 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96589-leaf-litter.html Hydroton alternative? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96554-hydroton-alternative.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:44:40 GMT Hello everyone. I wanted to ask about substrate as regards to Hydrophyte's method for planting Peace Lillies in riparium planters. I understand that he/she uses hydroton for greater air/water circulation around the roots.

So my question is:

Is it possible to substitute large gravel or even small pebbles to achieve the same effect? Or is hydroton more beneficial to the roots, as it is porous? I know it doesn't have any nutrient retaining abilities, I read some reviews. Or is that wrong?

I was wondering as I do not have any on hand, and the only bags available where I live are whopping 30l ones. Plus I'm a bit cheap skate :icon_lol:

Thank you for any help. ]]> Substrate SpongeEva http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96554-hydroton-alternative.html Flourite harmful to bottom dwellers? http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96547-flourite-harmful-bottom-dwellers.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:40:14 GMT I've used Flourite before in my tank (without plants) because I REALLY like the way it looks. Now I'm considering transitioning the tank from a Flourite/Driftwood tank to semi planted tank with various fish. It was recently brought to my attention that the Flourite may be bad for bottom dwellers such as Corys, Loaches and such. Is this an old myth or are the sharp edges bad for their little mouth and the small dust-like particles will be ingested and eventually kill the fish? Thanks in advance.

Sean ]]> Substrate house_64 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96547-flourite-harmful-bottom-dwellers.html Got in A hurry. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96544-got-hurry.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:35:05 GMT I bought a 75 Gallon tank. I wanted to set it up, so I bought white sand. Now a buddy of mine talked me into putting live plants in there and onto this site. My question is, is there any way to switch out the sand for substrate with out having problems with my fish? I know there's going to be an amonia spike, but if I add amonia lock to it, would that help? ]]> Substrate Jonboy http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96544-got-hurry.html <![CDATA[ADA Aquasoil Amazonia I ?'s]]> http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96507-ada-aquasoil-amazonia-i-s.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:13:38 GMT I'm in the design phase of setting up a rimless 40g breeder. I have already tried MTS, organic potting soil, and creek sediment with varying degrees of success. One of my current set-ups, seen here, has Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Soil capped with a 50:40:10 mix of Eco-Complete/Fluorite/Laterite cap. My other set-up is a mix of creek sediment and MTS capped with PFS. This one is growing plants well but I have been fighting green water algae since I set it up. It normally looks like this :redface:.

I want to try and circumvent these issues and go with a stable, commercially available, and aesthetically pleasing substrate. I have decided to finally give ADA Aquasoil Amazonia I a try.

So here are my questions:
1:Are any of the additives sold by ADA essential?
-The ADA Layout Guide suggests a 1/2 base layer of Power Sand Special which also contains Bacter 100 and Clear Super.
2:Is there sufficient iron content or should I supplement the soil with an iron rich substance such as laterite? ]]> Substrate bherren1 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/96507-ada-aquasoil-amazonia-i-s.html