Substrate Questions From A Beginner!

[Kris T]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post! My new tank is arriving next week (a Fluval Roma 200 litre - about 52 US gallons). I'm wondering which would be best for this tank as a planted tank - eco-complete, or black fluorite? Here in England the Eco-complete seems to be much cheaper, which I think is the opposite of the US prices...Both options seem to be highly recommeded.

Also, how much substrate do I need to get? My tank is 40 inches long and 22 inches wide (100 cms x 55 cms). How much substrate will I need for a 2-3 level?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Kris.

 

[AdAndrews]

get a 5l bag of tropica plant substrate and then cap it with play sand

 

[Truck]

akadama would be my preferred choice

 

[mixmaster jay]

i agree
have a look at this it might help you


http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/akadama.htm

 

[aaronnorth]

eco complete over flourite IMO
there is a calculator here:
http/www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html

 

[Kris T]

I saw that calculator yesterday but couldn;t believe it when it said I'd need more than 7 bags of eco-complete! Other places have said 1 to 2 lbs of substrate for every gallon, which would take me nowhere near 7 bags...That's why I asked...

 

[aaronnorth]

I saw that calculator yesterday but couldn;t believe it when it said I'd need more than 7 bags of eco-complete! Other places have said 1 to 2 lbs of substrate for every gallon, which would take me nowhere near 7 bags...That's why I asked...

i have never used it but didnt know it was that innacurate. 7bags is a lot!

When i had a 180l i used a 25Kg bag of pea gravel which gave me a good 3" of depth.

it says "1bag is sufficent for 20g aquarium"
so 3 should do nicely!

Also the extra is good for sloping to create depth.