Jbl Manado Substrate

[dayzofspeed]

hi does anyone have any experience with manado substrate by jbl, i.e pros or cons. many thanks in advance of any replies

 

[Ben M]

Hi, I bought this substrate for my shrimp nano. But was then told that it isn't suitable for shrimp. It apparently increases GH and conductivity of the water, which causes the shrimp not to breed as well. It's also not supposed to be as good as some others e.g colombo flora base.

So I took it back to my local MA, who would only give me a credit note, even though I also took in some kribs for them to sell.

I bought some colombo flora base, which is supposed to be much better, although I can't comment as I haven't had chance to set the tank up yet.

cheers

 

[ian]

I have used Manando and it was OK-ish. It's CEC ( Cation Exchange Capacity ) substrate, so it'll absorb certain mineral ions from the water and hold them for plant uptake...kinda of a nutrient reserve. I found it very difficult to slope, other have had success sloping it, after spraying it with a water spay for a few hours! It's hard to plant in as it's really light, it also blows around as it's so light. In short, i won't use it again. You can only get it in one colour as well.

Pro's it does have a high CEC.

I have also swapped to Florabase by Colombo, and am very happy with it.

 

[RadaR]

I've heard that it breaks up too easily.
I have Colombo florabase in my 125litre tank and its the best substrate I've ever used. Want quality? Then try the Colombo.

 

[dayzofspeed]

looks like the colombo is coming out on top here, glad i didnt get the manado now, especially as it seemed quite expensive, will have to take a look at the colombo florabase, anybody else got other reccommendations?

 

[dayzofspeed]

just checked out colombo florabase.......jeez that stuff is expensive, i can also see some reasons to not go for this stuff as i just read it causes ammonia spikes, not good as its going to be going into an established tank, i'm now thinking maybe some other enriched substrate that i can top off with a black gravel or something similar that is easier to keep clean, anymore suggestions?

 

[ian]

If you are looking at a capping substrate, then i'd go for JBL aquabasis. This isn't CEC, it will provide nutrients from the word go. It's a very good under substrate. Very cheap for what it is as well.

 

[dayzofspeed]

well funny you should say this as i was originally planning on putting aquabasis under the manado