Lets settle once and for all, EC or Flourite?

[kevin007]

So I'm about to start a planted tank for a 55 Gallon, I'll admit I'm on a budget and Flourite seems cheaper, however if Eco Complete is really worth the extra money, I will buy that, I also keep cories and I love them, I hope it won't damage their barbels.

Anyway, I was also wondering if anyone has experience with playsand by the brand KING it says washed beach sand on the front, kinda got me concerned.

I was planning on having the 2 back corners slanted up with sand at the front and a little road, If you get me, I'm guessing 4 inches being the highest point of the flourite/ec and 2 inch being the lowest is good enough?

[eklikewhoa]

Both might be problematic for your cories especially the flourite. I have not used flourite before but I would pick inert sand over eco-complete.

[kevin007]

would it be a good idea to place a thin layer of sand over the entire flourite substrate?

I guess I'll have to scrap the little sand beach/road idea

[danepatrick]

flourite over eco complete. my experience with eco as well as many others is that is shoots your kH up HIGH!

[eklikewhoa]

Sand will eventually work it's way to the bottom then start to cause problem with anerobic gas pockets and such. IMO no mixing substrates.

[cookingnerd607]

have you considered soil master select? Im not sure if there are any lescos in canada.

[interscope]

Doesn't LESCO ship to homes now through UPS from their online order form?

[jlroar]

Originally Posted by eklikewhoa

Sand will eventually work it's way to the bottom then start to cause problem with anerobic gas pockets and such. IMO no mixing substrates.

Hi,

I'm just curious. I have read on many web-sights that the buildup of gases on the bottom of the tank can kill fish and cause horrible odors. The solutions that I have found were stir up the bottom, gravel vacuum, and use MTS. So to prevent this I purchased 50+ Malaysian trumpet snails because they shift through the bottom of the tank and tend to help those types of gasses to escape. I also gravel vacuum the bottom every week.

Not that I'm all that knowledgeable as I'm still learning but just thought I would throw that out.

James

[Blacksunshine]

Originally Posted by interscope

Doesn't LESCO ship to homes now through UPS from their online order form?

Last time I checked thru them it was 70bucks to get a single bag shipped from them.


If you get a hold of a local baseball field supply company they might be able to get a hold of some soilmaster. possibly even some Select. I'd take SM over flourite or eco. much cheaper just as effective.