D Day Is Coming

[Rlon35]

My move is upcoming (January 5th). With regard to my substrate issue, I decided, based on the advice of my LFS, to just throw the Ecocomplete on top of my existing gravel when I set up the tank after the move. I am just going to use one bag (expensive stuff), though I'll load it heavily towards the back of the tank, where my stem plants are. I figure doing this, and adding a second CO2 fermentation kit, will enable me to grow a foreground cover. I have not decided what plant to use for the cover. Out of glosso, microswords, and dwarf hair grass, which is the easiest with which to grow a thorough cover? I don't like the glosso in such a big tank (55g), as I'll spend much time finding it on the surface and replanting it (I like it for a nano, which I may do in the future). In my experience, the microswords tend to get algae on them. I also have midground plants that seem that they would go better with the hairgrass. Any thoughts about other or existing ground cover options? None of the three plants I mentioned have spread with my former substrate and CO2 conditions. I also tried Pelia (not true pelia, I believe), which just seemed to dissappear.

 

[limerickbandit]

The Ecocomplete needs to go under your existing gravel.

 

[Dan Robbins]

yup. put it underneath your existing gravel.

 

[SuperColey1]

Doesn't matter where it goes. Eco-complete is a stand-alone nutrient substrate. therefore it can go under a substrate, on top of a substrate or be used on it's own.

AC

 

[Rlon35]

Doesn't matter where it goes. Eco-complete is a stand-alone nutrient substrate. therefore it can go under a substrate, on top of a substrate or be used on it's own.

AC

^^^^^^^^^

some conflicting info....so, what would you do? Bsesides buy more....should I just mix up up uniformly into my gravel? I was told on top, and I was happy to here that because I like a darker looking substrate. If it was flourite, it would definitely go under. I am confused on what is best now. Maybe reallly mixing it is a bad idea. Probably should go on top of under. The ratio is less than my present gravel, so I don't know that underneath would be the optimal choice.

 

[limerickbandit]

The substrate needs to be where the roots are underneath

 

[Daveo]

In reality the eco-complete may go anywhere you would like. But if you want the benefits of the eco-complete you need to have it underneath or mixed in well with the existing gravel (but as mentioned I would put it underneath).

 

[SuperColey1]

People seem to be assuming that the root tips take the nutrient. They will infact be taking nutrient from the whole length of their root so as long as the root is in the EcoComplete then it doesn't matter if it is at the surface or at the bottom.

If water column dosing is being provided the plants will hardly take anything from their roots anyway!!! This is why many very succesful planters have great result with plain sand or gravel with nothing underneath. they water column dose and the plant will take the easiest root for feeding which is through it's leaves.


It will mix over time anyway as the grain is smaller than your standard gravel.

AC

 

[lljdma06]

People seem to be assuming that the root tips take the nutrient. They will infact be taking nutrient from the whole length of their root so as long as the root is in the EcoComplete then it doesn't matter if it is at the surface or at the bottom.

If water column dosing is being provided the plants will hardly take anything from their roots anyway!!! This is why many very succesful planters have great result with plain sand or gravel with nothing underneath. they water column dose and the plant will take the easiest root for feeding which is through it's leaves.


It will mix over time anyway as the grain is smaller than your standard gravel.

AC

The roots will also travel to where the nutrients are in the substrate. However, some plants do have a preferred method of nutrient uptakethough. Stemplants will primarily take nutrients from the leaves, while crypts and swords will primarily take nutrients from their roots.

 

[SuperColey1]

However, some plants do have a preferred method of nutrient uptakethough. Stemplants will primarily take nutrients from the leaves, while crypts and swords will primarily take nutrients from their roots.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one Llj . Theres many an inert substrate but water column doser with great 'root feeder' growth!!

AC

 

[aaronnorth]

All plants have a preffered method of nutrient uptake, however they will utilise nutrients in whatever way they can - so basically you only have to have a nutrient rich susbtrate OR water column dosing, and the plants will grow fine, having both just means plants always have a source of nutrients incase we miss a day of dosing.