One more Substrate question

[lokobreed]

Ok here is my question...

I am decidng otngiht based on your responses what Substrate I should get, I was suppose to have all this bought 2 days ago, so please if you can bare with me and answer this...


Should I go with Eco - Complete
Should I go with Flourite
Should I go with OPnyx Sand

-- All these are good for plants and are dark color substrates correct?

Should I put peat at the bottom of these or mix some laterite in?

Thanks
All

[Tonyd]

The flourite is more of a red color than the others, but I guess it could still be considered dark depending on how you look at it. As far as additives, I think peat would be helpful with any of them. The laterite I don't think you would need with the EC or the flourite, not sure if it would add anything to the onyx.

Tony

[lokobreed]

thank tony, what do you recommend I go with?

[Tonyd]

Well, I think if you know what you are doing you could have a great tank with any of the substrates if you go about it the right way.

If, however, you are a newbie like me and want the best possible chance of success despite the inevitable screw-ups, I would recommend (and am using) Eco-Complete with a base of peat and mulm (gunk siphoned from an established tank). It is expensive, but substrate is important and you might as well try and fix the odds as much in your favor as you can.

For a _MUCH_ more knowledgeable and in depth discussion of substrate issues than mine, search through the Aquatic Plant mailing list archives.

http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/

Tony

[lokobreed]

Thanks for the help

Im guessing u put the mulm on top of the peat and the eco complete on top of the mulm correct?

About how much peat should I use, like an inch?]
And what kind of peat should I get?

[George Willms]

woah....you need very little peat. Just a light sprinkiling or dusting should be more than enough. And yes the eco-complete goes on top of it all.

[matpat]

I have some Fluval peat granules that I purchased before I started a planted tank. Wanted to use it to lower my pH. Could this be used in lieu of bagged sphagnum peat moss from a garden center?

Also, would it be of enough benefit to add it to my current Eco Complete/sand substrate? I know it would be very labor intensive to do, but it may be worth trying the next time I start moving things around.

If not, I can always save it for a future tank set-up.

[lokobreed]

SO just a little peat, but what kind should I buy? I called up my LFS and they mentioned a Candian something (not sure of the exact name as its at home) what do you all think?

[lokobreed]

anyone please buying tongiht I hope

[Tonyd]

Scotts will work, should be able to get it at the BORG (Big Orange Retail Giant, AKA Home Depot) or Wal Mart or something like that. The bag I bought just says "Scotts Sphagnum Peat Moss" You shouldn't have to buy it from your LFS.

Tony

[Aftica]

It's really up to you which you choose... I went with Flourite as I like the more natural color as compared to the eco complete. (If you like the high contrast of black substrate and green plants then Eco is a better choice:-)

Also I based that on price as Eco Complete is not readily available to me where I live so shipping would have been more than the shipping I paid on the Flourite...

Is one better than the other? I don't think so really - either is a good choice... There are cheaper alternatives as well - both these are high end substrates with big price tags etc.. I had 7 bags of Flourite and the postage alone was quite the shocker:-)

I never used peat under my substrate... I decided against it as it alters PH and is not as easily controllable etc...

No need to rush - take your time and read this forum - I spent a week reading before I even decided on the substrate.. let alone any of the other toys. Enjoy several cups of coffee researching... that was 1/2 the fun

[Tonyd]

Good advice. It is supposed to be a hobby after all.

[fishlady]

Aftica:I was reading about your tank. How do you like yourTubo Twist UVS, I am thinking about installing one in my 90 gallon. Are you happy with it??

And..just to keep on topic, I would go with the flourite. I have it and love it! They also have a natural color besides the red...

[Aftica]

Hi Fish-lady - I like it very much - it is simple to install, and easy to maintain / clean. I am pleased with the decision to go with it.

I use the regular Flourite which is a somewhat reddish brown - like I would expect baked clay to have (like the remains of 1000 terracotta pots after being run over by a mindless parade of deranged steam-rollers)

I have not seen the red version in person but based on the pictures I seen of the product in the bag I suspect it is a much deeper red color.