20 Long tank substrate help

Zefrik · 06-27-2012, 02:13 AM

I got a 20 long with the $1 a gallon sale and I am thinking about using it as a shrimp tank. I also want to plant the tank though because I am not 100% interested in breeding my shrimp.

What is the difference between Fluval shrimp stratum and Fluval plant stratum?

Should I get either or should I get UP aqua shrimp sand or ADA aquasoil?

Where can I find aquasoil?

Zefrik · 06-27-2012, 02:43 PM

Bump

Diana · 06-28-2012, 02:31 AM

I have not used the Fluval products.

Some of the ADA products produce ammonia for a long time (several weeks to a month) after they are submerged. This is a great way to do a fishless cycle. You can plant right away. Then monitor the conditions to be sure the substrate has not removed all the carbonates from the water. The growing bacteria need carbonates, and some substrates will remove the KH from the water.

**audioaficionado** · 06-28-2012, 03:05 AM

Floramax or Ecocomplete work well. They've been on sale with free shipping lately.

Zefrik · 06-29-2012, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioaficionado

Floramax or Ecocomplete work well. They've been on sale with free shipping lately.

I was leaning more towards an aquatic soil. But I went ahead and got a 16.7lbs bag of Fluval plant stratum. I have heard it is a lot more sturdy than ADA aquasoil. It should be here tomorrow.

somewhatshocked · 06-29-2012, 12:23 PM

Keep in mind that you'll need to fertilize with Fluval Plant Stratum, as it's not really a nutrient-rich substrate.

Zefrik · 06-29-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Keep in mind that you'll need to fertilize with Fluval Plant Stratum, as it's not really a nutrient-rich substrate.

Yep, got that all planned out!

**audioaficionado** · 06-30-2012, 12:29 AM

Ecocomplete and Floramax have just as good CEC as FPS does. None of them are as complete as the often hard to get ADA AS substrates. It's all good if you use WC and/or substrate ferts. Plants grow as long as they get what they need.

06-27-2012, 02:13 AM	#1
Zefrik Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Topeka, Kansas Posts: 1,017	20 Long tank substrate help I got a 20 long with the $1 a gallon sale and I am thinking about using it as a shrimp tank. I also want to plant the tank though because I am not 100% interested in breeding my shrimp. What is the difference between Fluval shrimp stratum and Fluval plant stratum? Should I get either or should I get UP aqua shrimp sand or ADA aquasoil? Where can I find aquasoil? __________________ My 29 Gallon \| My 40 Gallon Garden \| My 55 Gallon Budget Tank

06-27-2012, 02:43 PM	#2
Zefrik Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Topeka, Kansas Posts: 1,017	Bump __________________ My 29 Gallon \| My 40 Gallon Garden \| My 55 Gallon Budget Tank

06-28-2012, 03:05 AM	#4
audioaficionado Planted Tank Overclocker (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Medford, Orygun Posts: 2,177	Floramax or Ecocomplete work well. They've been on sale with free shipping lately. __________________ Steve 45 gal tall high-tech : 2-23-12 update Complete CO2 Leak Test : How to build a CO2 regulator Never argue with a fool. Onlookers often can't tell the difference. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. My advice is free and worth every penny.

06-29-2012, 12:23 PM	#6
somewhatshocked Obsessed? Maybe (View User Tanks) PTrader: (262/100%) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,616	Keep in mind that you'll need to fertilize with Fluval Plant Stratum, as it's not really a nutrient-rich substrate. __________________ 12gal Long \| 20L Shrimp Tanks \| 3gal Longs \| 10gal \| 45-F \| 5.5gal Tigers \| 20cm Cubes

06-30-2012, 12:29 AM	#8
audioaficionado Planted Tank Overclocker (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Medford, Orygun Posts: 2,177	Ecocomplete and Floramax have just as good CEC as FPS does. None of them are as complete as the often hard to get ADA AS substrates. It's all good if you use WC and/or substrate ferts. Plants grow as long as they get what they need. __________________ Steve 45 gal tall high-tech : 2-23-12 update Complete CO2 Leak Test : How to build a CO2 regulator Never argue with a fool. Onlookers often can't tell the difference. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. My advice is free and worth every penny.

06-28-2012, 02:31 AM	#3
Diana Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Contra Costa CA Posts: 5,012	I have not used the Fluval products. Some of the ADA products produce ammonia for a long time (several weeks to a month) after they are submerged. This is a great way to do a fishless cycle. You can plant right away. Then monitor the conditions to be sure the substrate has not removed all the carbonates from the water. The growing bacteria need carbonates, and some substrates will remove the KH from the water.

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