Black, "plant-Friendly" Substrate

[flix_cw]

My new (second hand) tank came with a black gravelly substrate that the previous owner said was "special plant substrate".

I've had a look through what's available and think it's probably eco-complete.

I want to make use of it since i'm planting heavily when i set up, but want a play sand substrate. If i cap the eco-complete with the sand, will the sand eventually make its way to the bottom and the eco-complete to the top, seeing as the grain-sizes differ?

If so, will laying a mesh between the layers prevent this?

Cheers!

 

[Carlovel1]

My new (second hand) tank came with a black gravelly substrate that the previous owner said was "special plant substrate".

I've had a look through what's available and think it's probably eco-complete.

I want to make use of it since i'm planting heavily when i set up, but want a play sand substrate. If i cap the eco-complete with the sand, will the sand eventually make its way to the bottom and the eco-complete to the top, seeing as the grain-sizes differ?

If so, will laying a mesh between the layers prevent this?

Cheers!

Yep, some of the sand will fall to the bottom. Anyway, I don't know why you would want to replace that wonderful colour eco-complete gives of with sand. At the moment, dark substrates are popular and I'd love to replace my sand with a dark substrate

 

[flix_cw]

Anyway, I don't know why you would want to replace that wonderful colour eco-complete gives of with sand. At the moment, dark substrates are popular and I'd love to replace my sand with a dark substrate

True, i'm still on the fence to be honest! I love the look of sand, and i'm thinking of stocking with some kuhli loaches and cories, so they'll appreciate sand a bit more will they not?

 

[Whitey_144]

Anyway, I don't know why you would want to replace that wonderful colour eco-complete gives of with sand. At the moment, dark substrates are popular and I'd love to replace my sand with a dark substrate

True, i'm still on the fence to be honest! I love the look of sand, and i'm thinking of stocking with some kuhli loaches and cories, so they'll appreciate sand a bit more will they not?

I've just bought some 'dark' 4mm Flourite gravel, which i think is very similar to the Eco-Complete. I don't like pure black, but i am very happy with this colour. Plus i believe a lot of the fishes feel more secure with a dark substrate (i know angelfish do) and it brings out their colours. But the flourite is a little sharpish, if Eco Complete is similar, then Cory's wouldn't like the edges and i believe they love playing through the sand.

If it's for the plants benefits, i believe the most important parts are dosing the water column with ferts, and having C02 and lighting sorted for the plants you want.

some beneficial bacteria will be in the gravel, i think with sand sometimes, due to the compactness and lack of oxygen, can cause problems, but it's fine as long as you stir it up a little bit when you clean.

i would assume, its easier to plant in gravel too, but i've never tried in sand to be honest.

 

[GrayScale]

You don't really need a plant substrate IMO. You could use regular black argonite sand with root tabs near the rooted plants.

 

[flix_cw]

You don't really need a plant substrate IMO. You could use regular black argonite sand with root tabs near the rooted plants.

Well it came free with the tank so i might as well use it i thought.

I'm on a tight budget so i thought i'd buy play sand from argos, £2.99 per 15kg bag! Not sure how much the argonite sand costs.

 

[Carlovel1]

Anyway, I don't know why you would want to replace that wonderful colour eco-complete gives of with sand. At the moment, dark substrates are popular and I'd love to replace my sand with a dark substrate

True, i'm still on the fence to be honest! I love the look of sand, and i'm thinking of stocking with some kuhli loaches and cories, so they'll appreciate sand a bit more will they not?

IIRC eco-complete has round grains. If you went for sand, all you'll get is the Khuli Loaches burying themselves underneath it. I'm pretty sure Corys and loaches are fine with eco-complete

 

[flix_cw]

This is the substrate in my new tank, anyone know if it's definitely Eco-Complete? I'm not convinced it is, looking at pics of it on google.

EDIT: I think maybe it is eco-complete, mixed with a little normal gravel.