Best Substrate For Plants

[KajukiKing]

Btw this is Kajuki17(post won't work for somereason)I have a 48 gallon planted tank with co2 and over 4 watts per gallon. I have lots of plants and was looking for good substrate. Is aquariumplants.com own substrate good, i was looking for that. Currently i have sand and i have no prefferences as long as its good for the plants and shrimp safe. Could i get some recomendations

 

[Themuleous]

It depends what you mean by 'best'

There are two general types, base layer ones which go on the bottom of the tank and you then cap with your choice of gravel or sand. Good ones include tetra and tropica.

Then there are the complete substrate, which you dont mix with anything. Good ones include Eco-complete, ADA aqua soil (not to be used in an establish tank due to the initial NH3 spike),. Also check out theplankedtank.com for a cheap Akadama substrate.

Sam

 

[Evad]

Is there any harm in capping eco-complete with gravel?

 

[Themuleous]

Nope wouldn't think so. Mine is mixed with black gravel and laterite.

Sam

 

[frozenbarb]

The best one is ADA Aquasoil. But it isnt for novices that like to scape around alot. For beginners and people that like to plant around
Eco Complete or Flourite.

 

[KajukiKing]

is there any i can just pick up at a local hardware store. the pet stores near me sell some sort of plant substrate which is around 30 a bag. I would need for of them so that would b very expensive.

 

[Themuleous]

Check out www.theplantedtank.co.uk for a guide to using Akadama, which is actually a bonsai soil but works very well in aquariums and it around 1/5th the price. You can often buy it online as well if there is nowhere locally that sells it.

Sam

 

[KajukiKing]

any sites that can deliver to U.S.

 

[frozenbarb]

http/www.adana-usa.com/ for Aquasoil for experts.

You can check around Lowes or Homedepot for Schultz Aquatic soil. I think it cost around 12 for a 14lb

Or around Lesco for Soilmaster Selects its usually in red color or black and cost 15$ for a 50lb