[Asgard]

I believe that discus biotopes don't have too many plants, so a thick layer (all over the place) is not necessary.
I'd recommend sand (used in swimming-pool-filters), not a too thick layer. The substrate has to be touched regularly (either by fish (cory's) or by snails), so that it will receive oxygen, to prevent it from rotting. Dirt will stay 'on' the sand instead of sinking between gravel.
Something like this setup example is what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7DSD9yUA50

 

[j-gens]

that's a nice discus setup what kind of cories are in that tank anyone know?

 

[polkovnik_rzevskiy]

I like the thick planted tanks and my discus seem to like it too (some of my current plants grow extremely well). So I would like to keep that, just change the conditions so that it is easier to maintain and they are more favorable for growth.

Cheers,

 

[polkovnik_rzevskiy]

Here is one specific question (or two) which is better eco-complete or flourite and how much do I need for a 65G?

Also, would I run into problems with dirt getting trapped between the grains?

 

[Asgard]

I'm not familiar with either one of the products, so no advice on that.
I have only small tanks, with hill stream kind of setups and use gravel from 1-6mm, dirt get trapped between that, but my rhinogobies, mts and shrimp prevent it from settling too long so my substrate is always well aerated, and I regularly stir stings around and vacuum the gravel.
So if you choose a coarse kind of substrate dirt will get trapped between it, with sand dirt stays more on top, but even so fine substrate must be aerated too, to prevent rotting.

 

[polkovnik_rzevskiy]

I'm not familiar with either one of the products, so no advice on that.
I have only small tanks, with hill stream kind of setups and use gravel from 1-6mm, dirt get trapped between that, but my rhinogobies, mts and shrimp prevent it from settling too long so my substrate is always well aerated, and I regularly stir stings around and vacuum the gravel.
So if you choose a coarse kind of substrate dirt will get trapped between it, with sand dirt stays more on top, but even so fine substrate must be aerated too, to prevent rotting.

Are you using heating cables by any chance?

 

[Asgard]

Nope, no heating at all, sub-tropical setups

 

[polkovnik_rzevskiy]

What substraite is everyone using? Eco complete, flourite ada?