Planted Tank Substrate

[steve711]

As some of you will be aware, in the next few months I'm going to be setting up a new 60"x24"x30" planted tank after a 2+ year lay off (There will be a full step by step journal).

Thanks to the explanations of George, (gf225) and others I have been convinced to try the EI fert method.

I'll be running all the usual planted tank equipment, i.e. good lighting, CO2 controlled by PH controller and solenoid etc etc and am toying with the idea of running some kind of sum (without any trickle tower or surface agitation).

I have over the years tried different substrates and additives from companies such as sera, dupla and Dennerle.

The last tank I set up I used Dennerle Deponit substrate additive with quartz gravel (1-2mm).

I've now been reading a bit about ADA substrate mixes.

I'd like to hear peoples experiences of different substrates/additives, especially the people using the EI method as well.

Cheers.

 

[jimbooo]

Hi Steve,

fantastic news to hear your going to give the EI method a try. george has done a good job of converting you then lol. may i appologise for your early encounter on this forum regarding EI. it's a bit of a touchy subject as you've found out. the only way to convince you is to try it yourself as you'll discover it's actually very good and much easier to maintain nutrient levels in a high uptake tank through dry ferts than expensive pre packaged products.

i'm glad george took the time to explain the benefits properly in that ei thread. unfortunatly as i only have web access at work i find it hard to offer such in depth advice in between the day job. (after all i am supposed to be headhunting people not sitting on a fish forum lol)

as to substrate i have only ever used laterite and found that it contains all the nutrients i need for the root feeders. i mix it with 3mm gravel and it does the job fine.

after visiting george the other weekend he did mention the ADA substrate that he plans to use in the next layout. apparently it's the best planted substrate available. no idea why as it was just a passing comment.

all i can really tell you is that laterite works. i'm sure some of the others are better but cant really advise on things i have not actually used.

and er bump.... come on people ther must be some more opinions out there..

 

[Themuleous]

Sorry Steve (and Jim )

I have just added eco-complete to my new nano and it seems to be working a treat, not sure how it compares cost wise but I used a whole 20lb bag and the tank is only 24x8 inches at a cost of 25quid. This is my first planted tank so like Jim Ive not had experience with other types, but to be honest most are probably good, you could probably measure the difference if you wanted to but floruite, eco-complete, laterite are all used by people on here with good results, so it might just come down to a question of taste re colours, and things.

Hope this helps a little

Sam

 

[jimbooo]

thanks sam, dont worry i've been terrible today. just too busy to offer proper advice. thanks for that

 

[oldwhitewood]

I use ADA substrate and personally I think it's the Aston Martin of the substrate world. In terms of appearance and also in terms of plant root development. For a 60" tank though this is going to be costly. as you will need a combination of Power Sand and Aqua Soil. I have read of some people using just Power Sand but not really sure how this would work in the long term. However I don't think it's some kind of miracle mud type thing where your plants will carpet overnight, with all things you need the right combination of factors. The ADA stuff gives you a little more under the hood sure, but it's not the be all and end all. I think eco complete is also really good and flourite even though looks dreadful is OK once topped with normal gravel and hidden.

Also dont use a heater cable with the ADA stuff if you decide to go for that.

As for EI it's simple, cost effective and it works, no question.

 

[steve711]

Thanks for your replies, that was my main concern with the ADA stuff - cost.

I am considering sticking with the Dennerle Deponit, mainly because I know it and have experience with it.

I know that will be costly as well so will have to work out the difference between the ADA and the Dennerle and go from there.

 

[Marisa_allen]

I have just started my tank with eco complete and even though my tank has no C02 injection I am seeing plant growth of an inch in a week on some of my faster growing plants.

I dont know how much eco complete compares to the ADA substrate cost wise but it is certainly working for me!

Hope this helps