What Substrate Is Best?

[James9114]

Been reading up abit on substrate for a planted tank and don't have a clue on what to go for. I want something that releases nutrients but doesn't break down to mush after a year or 2 which i have read can be a problem with some products any ideas?

Cheers James

 

[Ps3Steveo]

I'm a fan of Florabase, I can turn to mush but only if its repeatedly crushed.

 

[James9114]

What size and how many bags should i go for in a 60x30x30 cm tank?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

A 10L bag will do.

 

[angelfishguy]

Stay away from manando, i have it and it is a nightmare. If disturbed it clouds the water and its so light that a shrimps fart could blow it all over the tank

 

[lock77]

a shrimps fart could blow it all over the tank

 

[James9114]

Is the substrate Red sea florabase

 

[iantaylor]

i use fine gravel in my planted tank but i do use plant feeding tablets in the gravel also i have co2 and plant fertilizer added with every water change.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Colombo Florabase.

 

[James9114]

Ahhhh, lucky i asked as there is a red sea one. Thanks mate

 

[max1e]

i was thinking of getting that sub, but i then read this..

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3263

 

[Livewire88]

i was thinking of getting that sub, but i then read this..

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3263

Ammonia leaching and pH changes make it unsuitable for beginners

Is this what put you off?

 

[max1e]

yeah, its tough as i have to rely on others to do my tank(with me being in a wheelchair) doing the fat controller bit..lol.. so longevity is a must and daily water changes for a week or so would be tough but not inpossible. and it saying it would last only a year etc is the biggest turn off for me, but i suppose the tnc capsules would do the trick..

 

[Ps3Steveo]

By lasting a year they mean the PH changes and after the nutrients run out it stores them.

 

[max1e]

thanks!