[gonzo.njexit9]

hi all
new to this planted aquarium stuff
i have been away from aquariums for almost 15 years and returning because of where this tank went--underbar.
i want to go planted and from what i have read seems that eco complete w/ a bottom layer of laterite is the substrate for me.
dont want the Ferrari of tanks but want to stay very nice.
i have a 50 gallon running with an eheim and a fluval canister.
thanks in advance for all comments.

 

[reignOfFred]

I am totally unimpressed with Eco complete, I didn't find my plants grew nearly as well as in fluorite and I don't like how big the pieces are. I still have it in my tank but have diluted it heavily with fluorite.

 

[Hoppy]

Laterite was used in planted aquariums back when it was a problem to get enough iron available to the plants. Other than iron, Laterite is not a good source of nutrients. Far better is mineralized topsoil under Flourite or other inert substrate, to avoid a big expense, or ADA Aquasoil, or perhaps Fluval Stratum, if you can afford the cost.