Substrate Options

[chrisdoesntmiss]

I have been tossing up ideas about another planted tank and i am hoping to have everyones ideas on a substrate?

If you can leave some pros and cons with them i would be very grateful.

Chris

 

[nry]

Depends if you want an all in one option (e.g. EcoComplete) or a substrate topped with a layer of something else.

Generally I would choose something with a small grain size, 2-3mm max, I prefer something like sand (choose your own colour) as smaller plants can root much better than if they are planted in larger options in many cases. There are a number of good planted substrates to go beneath sand etc e.g.

Tropica AquaCare
Tetra
JBL AquaBasis

 

[DevUK]

ADA substrates are thought of as the absolute best substrates in terms of what they provide for the plants but there are downsides to these too. Specificaally the amonia spike it causes when first used. Also they can really cloud your water if you move plants around after they've established so its really a substrate for "plant and don't fiddle" aquariums.