Substrate Questions

[Griz]

I have a moderately planted 33 gal (36x12x18) which has been running for just over 3 1/2 years now. I'm considering a complete teardown and I'm looking at substrate options. Currently I have sand over soil/peat. (Yes, soil/peat) This has worked extremely but is getting to be a bit of a mess. Also, it's time to make some changes to the layout.

Anyone have experience with peat plates? I'm a big fan of peat and until recently I've either used it in my filters or treated water with it for water changes. I'm hoping that peat plates may help soften my water and also have some benefit for my plants. Also, l do like the look of peat stained water.

My top 2 choices right now are Flourite or Eco-complete. 7Kg (15lb) bags seem to be the standard size. How many bags would you recommend? (Man, that stuff is expensive!)

 

[plantbrain]

Gievn you desires, it would far wiser to buy the ADA aqua soil from Aquaessentials.

It'll lower KH/GH and has peat in it.
Lot less mess also.

Cost about the same as Flourite, cheaper than EC.
Simple to use and no rinsing like Flourite and nice grain sizer than either of those.

I've used and still use soil for other reasons, as well as peat, it's best to use ground peat rather than plates. You may also re enrich any substrate with mud placed in ice cube trays and placed under the plants/gravel etc, the mud cubes melt leaving the soil in the tank's gravel without a mess.

regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Griz]

Thankyou

I'll see if I can find ADA Aquasoil, sounds like a good option for me, if I can find it in Canada. I like your idea of using mud ice cubes, never heard of that before.

 

[Themuleous]

Just to add Toms advice, be aware that ADA AS reduces KH very dramatically, to below detectable levels, which isn't a problem but regular water changes are a must from what Ive heard. Also, people have found huge NH3 and subsequently NO2 spikes for the first few weeks when you add AS so you wont be able to add your fish straight away. Well that's my understanding of it anyway.

Sam

 

[-germ-]

Plantbrain
I've been wondering how to get some soil under my pebbled substrate without mucking up my tank, blocking filter etc.
So simple......