Opinions On Tropica Substrate

[BHornsey]

Hi all,

Just setting up my new 6' x 2' x 2' planted tank. I'm thinking of trying the new Tropica Aquacare Substrate.

Anyone using it?

Brian

 

[RadaR]

Silverlady is using it. PM her.
Even though i havnt used it I rekon its really good though because its Tropica

 

[zig]

How much does it cost out of interest?

 

[George Farmer]

About £12 for 1.5 litres, £23 for 5 litres.

Tropica recommend a base layer of 1cm topped with 1-2mm gravel, although 2cm can be used with lots of heavy root feeders.

I have spoken with Dr. Troels Andersen, Tropica's product guy and it does sound good stuff, high CEC but doesn't impact water chemistry like Aqua Soil.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...dd34f34977af250

 

[Themuleous]

Interesting George, I find the increase in KH and GH you get with eco-complete a right pain, its still doing it even after 8months in my nano. Would be good to have one that you could keep a KH of around 2/3.

Did he say why they developed a base layter rather than a complete substrate?

Sam

 

[zig]

Does it float I wonder or would it be quite messy if disturbed, I suppose 1.5 liters would be enough for a 24x12x12 tank, not bad for £12 I suppose if you could leave your tank alone.

 

[BHornsey]

About £12 for 1.5 litres, £23 for 5 litres.

Tropica recommend a base layer of 1cm topped with 1-2mm gravel, although 2cm can be used with lots of heavy root feeders.

I have spoken with Dr. Troels Andersen, Tropica's product guy and it does sound good stuff, high CEC but doesn't impact water chemistry like Aqua Soil.

Thanks all,

George, I find that a little thin.

I use a 1½" layer of Dennerle substrate with a cover of gravel and still find some plants have trouble anchoring into it (I often find a plant floating which the fish have dislodged)

1cm will give even less. Any issues with going a little deeper?

Brian

 

[George Farmer]

Sam - No, I didn't ask.

zig - I understand it is messy if disturbed, best for a long-term layout.

Brian - As long as you are not uprooting regularly and top with plenty of substrate then you should be fine.

I'm fairly sure that the roots don't have to physically be in contact with the nutrient-rich stuff to be able to use it.

If your plants are constantly becoming unanchored then you may wish to look at other possible causes, rather than just the depth of the nutrient-rich substrate.

 

[BHornsey]

Thanks George,

I do a bit of moving around. I still have a lot of fast growers in (the tank has been running about 6 months now) so I tend to do a lot of pruning / replanting. The Hygrophila & Cabomba, in particular, overshadow the tank in about 3 weeks.

I have the Dennerle Deponit in my 190L tank but it's a bit pricey. According to their blurb you are supposed to use it with their substrate heater, but I have it in my 45L tank unheated with no issues.

Any other types you've had good results with?

Brian