[caykuu]

I know that having more than 2~3 inches of sand is asking for trouble, with gas pockets becoming toxic and all that jazz ... but what about with only eco-complete substrate?

Thanks .

 

[NeonFlux]

It should be fine with eco-complete. Just be sure to slowly stir on the substrate every few days just to make sure no air is trapped.

Good luck!

 

[JasonG75]

WOW that's a lot...What are you putting this in.

 

[caykuu]

Id like to make some slopes and hills in the tank with the plants, to create kind of like a landscape (the tank is 55 gallons)-- similar to the idea in the top image on this site: http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/

How do I stir the substrate with plants rooted in it? :icon_redf I plan on covering the substrate with dwarf baby tears and dwarf hairgrass ~

 

[JasonG75]

4+ inches in a 55gal will run you about 160.00. My question would be WHY when you can do the same thing (same concept) for less than $25.00.

I feel planted substrate such as Eco and Flor should only be considered in smaller tanks.

 

[gtu2004]

4+ inches in a 55gal will run you about 160.00. My question would be WHY when you can do the same thing (same concept) for less than $25.00.

I feel planted substrate such as Eco and Flor should only be considered in smaller tanks.

i agree that Eco and Flor should only be considered in smaller tank, but they're A LOT better for plants than the pool filter sand I'm using on my bigger tank. Very expensive though.

 

[caykuu]

Urm, I mean~ not 4+ inches all over the bottom, but only in certain area (hills)~
Money is not much of an issue-- just wondering if doing 4+ inches in certain places would be safe or hazardous? :x

 

[JasonG75]

Next Question: What is your stock list ?

 

[PinoyBoy]

Too expensive IMO Cayuuk. Check out this thread:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/144344-play-sand-under-ecocomplete.html#post1469307


It might give you ideas to save you some money.

 

[caykuu]

I don't have any fish.. tank isn't cycled yet (lol), I just started my tank last week. :s But due to peat moss turning water yellow (I don't like the look), I'm going to tear it down and restart with possibly eco-complete.

Pinoy: ah, I've checked out that thread! Looks like an excellent idea-- but where do I get the foam/filling? :x What kind of material is it?

 

[JasonG75]

I don't have any fish..

Yea I know you don't have any fish yet, so you're saying (in your head) you don't know WHAT fish you want?

 

[caykuu]

Ah, that's what you meant. xD
I'm most likely going to get some fancy guppies, since the tap water in my area tends to have higher pH.

 

[JasonG75]

Ah, that's what you meant. xD
I'm most likely going to get some fancy guppies, since the tap water in my area tends to have higher pH.

Ok...now thinking forward IF you use eco I would stay away from any bottom feeding fish. Eco is very sharp and irritates the under belly of most fish.

 

[caykuu]

I see, thanks. :x No, I wasn't planning on bottom-feeders but thanks for the heads up.

 

[JRMott]

FWIW, I have a 30 gallon that probably has an average depth of 3", which was about 3.5 bags. I bought 4 and don't remember what I did with the extra 1/2 bag. I may have put it in the tank which would actually give me an average depth of 3.5".

In any event, I have a slope in 1 corner that must be almost 6" and I'm not really worried about it.

I think 4" in a section will be fine.

 

[zachary908]

Ok...now thinking forward IF you use eco I would stay away from any bottom feeding fish. Eco is very sharp and irritates the under belly of most fish.

Eco-complete is fine for bottom dwellers, I have 6+ Sterbai cories, and a gold nugget pleco, and they are all thriving in Eco complete. (75 gallon tank)

 

[zachary908]

If you are really worried get some MTS to stir the substrate, but honestly you should be fine.

 

[flip9]

Use a chop stick to poke around the plants.

 

[Sharkfood]

I have flourite, which is very similar to ecocomplete, 7" deep at the back of my tank and have never had any trouble. I think water and gas likely diffuses more easily through this sort of substrate, whereas sand packs in a lot tighter and creates anaerobic spots far more easily.

 

[razalas5]

Ok...now thinking forward IF you use eco I would stay away from any bottom feeding fish. Eco is very sharp and irritates the under belly of most fish.

I disagree. It doesn't seem to bother my dwarf frogs or otos.