Flourite is what I prefer. Yeah, you have to rinse and drain repeatedly during initial setup(PITA) but, it lasts quite along time. I am using flourite that I setup in 2004 and it shows no sign of breaking down. It has high CEC meaning that it will soak up the ferts that I dump into the water column and you can always add root tabs or Osmacote as needed under the crypts and swordplants.
The times that I added root tabs under the crypts, I haven't seen a significant increase in growth. Probably, due to EI dosing and not deep vaccuuming the gravel. I just swirl the vaccuum tube and inch or two above the gravel while draining water for a water change.
|