Eco Complete Question about compatibility with other substrates.

The_Shreckoning said:

I see on the packaging that it can be used as a bottom layer for another kind of substrate. Would it work well with seachem substrate? How would you go about doing this?

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What are you trying to achieve by doing this? Don't go by what the bag says regarding the fact that it contains nutrients for plant growth because it doesn't. It's lava rock, nothing more than that.

I just want to get my substrate done right. Im completely brand new to this and I'm doing a 55 gallon jungle style aquascape. From what I've read, everything else except the substrate is easy to upgrade for better models (heater, filter, lights) but they say substrate is spmething you want to get right the first time. I know eco complete is inert but from what I've read flourite and eco make a good combo

The_Shreckoning said:

I just want to get my substrate done right. Im completely brand new to this and I'm doing a 55 gallon jungle style aquascape. From what I've read, everything else except the substrate is easy to upgrade for better models (heater, filter, lights) but they say substrate is spmething you want to get right the first time. I know eco complete is inert but from what I've read flourite and eco make a good combo

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Just roll with inert sand. If you want black substrate you can go with Black Diamond blasting grit which can be purchased from Tractor Supply for $9/50lbs. More natural tan substrate you can use pool filter sand and can be bought for $7-13/50lbs.

If you're dead set on Flourite you can use Safe-T-Sorb from Tractor Supply as well. It's like $5 for 40 lbs.

I've used Eco and Flourite and would never buy them again. I can achieve the same results with sand vs. the "planted" substrates and save a ton of money while doing so. Both are also a pain to plant in.

And that'll be enough for a lot of plants? Would I need fertilizer?

The_Shreckoning said:

And that'll be enough for a lot of plants? Would I need fertilizer?

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The sand is inert and will provide nothing, so yes you need ferts. The amount you add will be based off of several things like light levels and at you using Co2 also what plants you're planning on using.

EI based NPK + CSM+B - NilocG Aquatics

The_Shreckoning said:

And that'll be enough for a lot of plants? Would I need fertilizer?

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Yes, you will need fertilizer. EcoComplete, flourite and BDBS are inert. They don't get used up or worn out because they add nothing to the water.

If you mix EcoComplete and Flourite black together you'll never know the difference, so why use the EC when it costs more?