Substrate

Micah Kyle · 10-23-2008, 09:48 PM

I'm an unemployed full time student, and I was wondering about substrates. I'm sick of aquarium gravel, I'd like richer, earthier tones than the "natural looking" gravel.

I was told to look into Amazonian Aquasoil, don't think I can afford it.
I was told to look into Schultz Aquasoil, can't find it.
Told to look into Soilmaster Pro, same thing.
Then I was told to look into Turface, which is fired clay and looks kinda sandy brown... not dark enough.

So what is an affordable, dark soil/substrate I can fill in my 29 with that will also benefit the plants?

Church · 10-23-2008, 09:51 PM

Eco-Complete
Fluorite Black
3M Color Quartz (black, t-grade)

Those are your best options. You will need around ~40lbs for a standard 29g. You can order both Eco-Complete and Fluorite from greenleafaquariums.com, so go check them out. The color quartz has to be purchased from a pool-supply or masonry supply company, but it's considerably cheaper if you can find it locally.

Micah Kyle · 10-23-2008, 09:56 PM

But would those be safe for Corydoras barbels?

Chrisinator · 10-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Do you have any interest in sand? CaribSea Tahitan Moon Sand is good but it doesn't really benefit plants. Fluortie Black Sand would be a good idea. It cost about $20 per bag but I don't know how many LBS. there are in a bag.

bradac56 · 10-23-2008, 11:59 PM

Take a look at the new 'Mineralized Top Soil Substrate' sticky in the
"Substrate" forum if price is your biggest factor other than that
SMS/Turface, SAS, Florite, Eco, and Aquasoil will all do very well.

- Brad

CuLan · 10-24-2008, 06:16 AM

Understand the cost concern. Have you looked into "El Natural" method by Diana Walstad which is using cheap potting soil?

Setting up a Walstad Natural Planted Tank

moogoo · 10-24-2008, 06:22 AM

flourite black sand is $16 for a 15.4lb bag at bigals.

Fat Man · 10-27-2008, 08:24 PM

You could also use mineralized soil and top with one of the more expensive substrates.

midnightk · 10-27-2008, 10:28 PM

best bet is AS powder. corys will love it not too mention your plants.. u can just top it off like fat man said

other wise i like flourite black sand .. really nice look.. love black beaches.. too bad your not in hawaii

10-23-2008, 09:48 PM	#1
Micah Kyle Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 94	Substrate I'm an unemployed full time student, and I was wondering about substrates. I'm sick of aquarium gravel, I'd like richer, earthier tones than the "natural looking" gravel. I was told to look into Amazonian Aquasoil, don't think I can afford it. I was told to look into Schultz Aquasoil, can't find it. Told to look into Soilmaster Pro, same thing. Then I was told to look into Turface, which is fired clay and looks kinda sandy brown... not dark enough. So what is an affordable, dark soil/substrate I can fill in my 29 with that will also benefit the plants?

10-23-2008, 11:59 PM	#5
bradac56 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (8/100%) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Blue Springs, MO Posts: 1,093	Take a look at the new 'Mineralized Top Soil Substrate' sticky in the "Substrate" forum if price is your biggest factor other than that SMS/Turface, SAS, Florite, Eco, and Aquasoil will all do very well. - Brad Last edited by bradac56; 10-24-2008 at 01:48 PM..

10-24-2008, 06:22 AM	#7
moogoo Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lorton, VA Posts: 889	flourite black sand is $16 for a 15.4lb bag at bigals. __________________ View my new tank journal!

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10-23-2008, 09:51 PM	#2
Church Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (17/100%) Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 3,370	Eco-Complete Fluorite Black 3M Color Quartz (black, t-grade) Those are your best options. You will need around ~40lbs for a standard 29g. You can order both Eco-Complete and Fluorite from greenleafaquariums.com, so go check them out. The color quartz has to be purchased from a pool-supply or masonry supply company, but it's considerably cheaper if you can find it locally.

10-23-2008, 09:56 PM	#3
Micah Kyle Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 94	But would those be safe for Corydoras barbels?

10-23-2008, 10:25 PM	#4
Chrisinator Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (24/100%) Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 1,792	Do you have any interest in sand? CaribSea Tahitan Moon Sand is good but it doesn't really benefit plants. Fluortie Black Sand would be a good idea. It cost about $20 per bag but I don't know how many LBS. there are in a bag.

10-24-2008, 06:16 AM	#6
CuLan Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (64/100%) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 155	Understand the cost concern. Have you looked into "El Natural" method by Diana Walstad which is using cheap potting soil? Setting up a Walstad Natural Planted Tank

10-27-2008, 08:24 PM	#8
Fat Man Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Camino, Ca Posts: 139	You could also use mineralized soil and top with one of the more expensive substrates.

10-27-2008, 10:28 PM	#9
midnightk Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: honolulu high. Posts: 71	best bet is AS powder. corys will love it not too mention your plants.. u can just top it off like fat man said other wise i like flourite black sand .. really nice look.. love black beaches.. too bad your not in hawaii