Great Substrate Debate

[goin_all_out]

i can't decide which i want to do so i'm leaving it up to the polls. so please leave your reasoning why u like that particular substrate more.

 

[ikongoni]

Well the only one that I have used is Eco-Complete but I am delighted with the results so far.

 

[Joshy]

Regular gravel, because all my plants are on bogwood

 

[Wolfenrook]

'Other' for me, as I have a 'home made' substrate, as detailed elsewhere.

If money was not an object however I would probably go for ADA Aquasoil or Flourite black sand, just to try them out. Or possibly Tropica and Akadama for the lovely red/brown colour of these.

Ade

 

[aaronnorth]

I would go with ADA aquasoil, but if i am a bit skint at the time, then it is tetraplant.

 

[lljdma06]

Mine would technically fall under "other", but for the most part, it is inert gravel/very course sand with a 1-3mm grain. I'll sometimes mix with laterite, but most of my tanks are old enough now that the laterite is now pretty much inert. If I dose, I'll add through the water column or add root tabs, whether it's a high or low-light tank. For me, it's the cheapest, most readily available substrate, and one that does not need to be replaced. Unless I get bored with the color. Mine's a bit light for my taste now, if I found a darker version of it, I'd be really happy and consider switching out.

llj

 

[Themuleous]

Of those four, EC every time.

If I had free reign, I'd get Akadama as its nice and cheap and works just as well.

Sam

 

[SuperColey1]

Another vote for other from me.

I have used Tetra and Tropica before but I always add Leonardite under this and then choice of inert substrate on top. As per Sam I may try using Akadama in the future but until then I shall stick to Tropica and then choose which inert substrate to put on top each time depending on the look I am after.

Andy

 

[Nicolas]

Flourite Black for me. Its effective and visually pleasing.

 

[goin_all_out]

only reason i did those four mixes as those are the only four readily available for me here. canadian portion of the hobby kinda sucks.

 

[lljdma06]

only reason i did those four mixes as those are the only four readily available for me here. canadian portion of the hobby kinda sucks.

I hear you. Stinks in South Florida too. I'm frankly quite surprised that inert gravel is only behind eco complete by one vote!! You should consider editing the poll. Perhaps add ADA soils, Tetra complete, Laterite, and Other, and see what people say. If you want, I can edit it for you, using my super duper mod powers. Something to get a better impression.

llj

 

[goin_all_out]

i think that sounds great. the other choices won't help me in my decisions but i know it will help others!