[SvenBoogie]

I'm currently trying to decide what I should do regarding substrate for my 40 breeder. I currently have two bags of Flourite Black, and I'm trying to decide whether to mix that with plain (read: cheap) black gravel of similar size, or to spend what seems like a lot to buy 3-4 more bags, at over $20 each, of flourite black.

Can anyone give me some info on how much of an actual difference a full bed of Flourite would make vs 2 bags Flourite mixed with gravel? If it matters, the specs are 40 breeder, 120w t-12 lighting, will be densely planted when ready.

EDIT: Forgot to mention will be fully dosing ferts, both macros and micros.

 

[hbosman]

You can get by with a 50 - 50 mix of flourite and gravel. Two things to consider, regular gravel is usually coated in plastic which doesn't last forever and flourite does not need to be replaced like ADA products do. In other words, your investment in flourite is a one time deal, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact, you don't ever want to replace it because its a PITA.

Personally I like and use Flourite, it works, is cost effective compared to ADA products and works better than regular gravel. I originally had a 50 - 50 mix but over time replaced alot of the gravel with flourite several scoops at a time. I would do it during water changes. Why did I do this? I didn't want to buy 4 of 5 bags of flourite at once. I've tried a less expensive substrate from Home Depot once. It worked well but was too light. It would move all over the place during water changes and it did break down over time.

If you can afford it, buy 100 % flourite and save yourself alot of work in the future.

 

[SvenBoogie]

I appreciate the response, another/follow up question, if I did go with all flourite black, how many bags total would I need for a suitable bed in a 40 breeder?