Substrate For Dummies?

[Merithyn]

Okay, I have a lovely new 55-gallon tank that is going to require substrate. I've been looking at buying vermiculite (??) at the local hardware store and putting two inches of that down, covered by 1" to 1.5" of riverbed rocks.

Here are my questions:

1.) Is there an American namebrand that I should be looking for of vermiculite?

2.) Do I need to mix it with anything, or do I use it just as is? If I mix it, what is the best option for this, keeping in mind I'm trying to keep things very inexpensive?

3.) Is an inch and a half of riverbed rocks enough to cover the vermiculite and keep it from getting the tank dusty?

4.) Exactly how much of each item will I need to fit out my 48"x12" tank?

Thanks in advance for any advice given.

~Meri

 

[Merithyn]

Nothing? No one?

 

[garuf]

haven't a clue what vermiculite is, what kind of set up are you planning? also, your gravel would be too big, I've got aquasoil which tops out at about 3mm diameter and I find this too big for the smallest plants.

 

[RYO]

Ive heard vermiculite used in horticulture under the name perlite. Must admit never thought about trying it in a tank, would have thought it would be pretty messy if you uproot any plants or have any fish that like to dig. Its pretty light stuff.
Why not get a purpose made substrate like the jbl Proflora, TetraPlant Complete or the seachem range. If you want to keep the cost down a tad find somthing like the onix sand and mix it with a fine gravel.
Hope its some help to you.

Roy

 

[iSnail]

Vermiculite is a different substance to perlite as far as I know since I used to use both for my plants years ago

I think horticultural Vermiculite contains more mineral content. Perlite is basically expanded siliceous rock (glass). Don't know how suitable they are for use in the aquarium though They are both very very light.

 

[garuf]

If you can afford it a good substrate will pay its dividends again and again, I use ADA aquasoil and it's bloody good stuff, you have to be careful and not move too much stuff too often with it though, another one that I would recommend from other peoples experiences is tropica's substrate, I'll be using it next tank, and many people have seen good results with it.