Eco Complete

[Tizer]

As some might recall i've just got a new tank and pondering the idea of a cat litter / playsand substrate as a cheap option. However, part of me says, if your going to go the planted route, might as well do it properly with a decent substrate. Eco complete seems to be very popular and to do my tank (95gallons) its going to cost in excess of £100 and probably closer to £150. Question is, are corys ok on this sort of substrate? If not, is it possible to cap it with playsand? I would imagine the sand would eventually settle to the base and the larger bits would work to the surface...

I cant decide what to do

I cant actually decide what to do fish wise either, seems a shame to use such a big tank on perhaps "standard" tropical fish. (corys/tetras/rams)

Part of me wants to ram if full of tiger barbs and go planted, part of me is thinking mbuna tank and keep it simple with no plants.

Argh....so many options.

 

[minnnt]

Planted all the way! I would use planted substrate then cap with proper aquarium sand... I'm not friends with play sand anymore

 

[Tizer]

Went for the 100% clay cat litter from pets at home and some play sand from Argos in the end.

 

[micko]

Play sand can cause havock with a filter.

 

[Tizer]

You could be right, but im sure it will be ok after a good clean a couple of days to settle, plus the i shall keep the intakes a couple of inches higher than normal. The polishing pads should trap anything fine too. I'll just have to see how it goes

 

[minnnt]

You won't be dissapointed with the ex1200's.

 

[Miles_hot]

Why are you out of love with play sand minnnt?