Cat Litter Substrate

[hensonc4098]

Just in the planning for the bigger tank, probably going to use cat litter as a substrate and dose ferts throughout the fishless cycle so that it can absorb them for putting plants in once it's done. Either that or plant and do a silent cycle and dose plenty of ferts at the same time

But anyways, what is the "best" kind of cat litter to use. I know clay, but it comes in loads of different types - I'm guessing non-clumping is a good idea to stop it going as a solid mass when it's wet... but other than that dunno if brand, type, etc makes a jot of difference

Cheers
Henson

 

[tribalbrit]

Tescos low dust, comes in a pink bag with a black cat on it. takes a lot of rinsing though.

 

[Salam]

I second Tesco's low dust. Got it myself and it looks brill. Minnnt has it too, so have a look at our tanks and you'll see what it looks like.

 

[hensonc4098]

Great thanks guys How much of it did you use in your Rios Salam?

 

[Salam]

About 1.5 bags in the 180, so if you get two bags that's plenty.

 

[hensonc4098]

Cheers Will see what size I end up getting, keeping an eye out in the classified section and on ebay and gumtree, but it's something about that size that I'm looking for

 

[Salam]

Hope you find your bargain soon.

 

[hensonc4098]

Thanks! Your 2 rios look gorgeous by the way!

 

[minnnt]

I'm unaware of any other cat litter that can be used. Pretty sure I have seen another one, but can't recall the name.

 

[DrRob]

I gather sophisticat pink is the same stuff.

I found this useful when looking.

http/www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm

 

[minnnt]

That's the one. You can use akadema, but its more money for essentially the same stuff.

 

[hensonc4098]

Saw it when I was in tesco today for like £3 a bag - sounds the job for me! Didn't get any yet though Although bagged a bargain in 4 congo tetras for a pound each

 

[minnnt]

Make sure you spend an eternity washing it

 

[hensonc4098]

Fun. More excuses not to do housework

 

[hensonc4098]

Oh my goodness. It takes soooo much washing... I washed it for about 30 minutes with the hose and it still made the water cloudy, but if I don't disturb it too much it's ok. I couldn't be bothered doing any more like

I've left water in the tubs though with it with dechlorinator and fertiliser in it to try and get the clay soaking up some nutritional goodness before it goes in the tank. I'm just waiting for some stuff to arrive from china before I can set everything up