Which Substrate?

[tropicaltone]

Hi Everyone.

I am looking for some ideas for the best types of substrates to use (must be available in the UK + links would be usefull). I also have Corydoras which seem fine in my standard gravel substrate tank but I will be transfering them to my fully planted tank with all the hitech gubbins.

Also what do you think of these?? http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...d-substrate.asp

Thanks

Tropicaltone

 

[SuperColey1]

Tetra Complete is quite pricey, but is what I bought. (Off ebay)

I figured that you're only gonna buy a plant substrate once unless you decide to totally change your tank.

Mix it with quarter of the pea gravel that I currently have and 1 inch layer of Argos Play Sand (£2.49/15Kg)

Perfect for planted tank with Corydoras

 

[Underwurlde]

ADA AquaSoil. It comes in different varieties (Amazonia, Africana & Malaya) but I think this is only the colouration that differs.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/ is the only place you can get it here I think.

Andy

 

[tropicaltone]

Thanks guys!

I am still a bit confused, considering how many types of subsrate for planted tanks there are. Like supercoley1 I only want to buy the substrate once so I need to get it right first time. Thanks for the link underwurlde (Nice weather we're having in Hampshire)

 

[Underwurlde]

Lovely.

As usual.

NOT!

I think ADA AquaSoil is THE substrate to use. Top it off with sand / gravel. Look here to further help your decision making:
http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006.cgi

Some FANTASIC tanks I hope you agree. The reason I'm pointing you there is not only are there beautiful tank pictures but also what plants / stocking / arrangement and substrate & kit the designers of those aquascapes use!

Andy

 

[tropicaltone]

Thanks Andy,

Very nice Site. Problem is there all using different types of substrate also I am a little worried about fine partical subtrates like sand and some of the ADA substrates, because im not sure how you are surposed to vaccum clean it with out all the substrate ending up in the bucket??

Tropicaltone

 

[Underwurlde]

Indeed. Sand is harder to vac than gravel. Some vacs do use a sieve inside, but I don't think they are fine enough.

I think to vac sand you use something to stir up the sand & then vac ABOVE the substrate bed, sucking up all the crap thus disturbed floating about in the water. A bit more involved & messy than gravel, but not that difficult.

Andy

 

[George Farmer]

I think ADA AquaSoil is THE substrate to use. Top it off with sand / gravel.

According to ADA, their Aqua Soil should be used on top of ADA Power Sand, not topped with sand/gravel.

Aqua Soil can also be used alone.

 

[Underwurlde]

I didn't know that, thanks GF.

I'm thinking how on earth (pardon the atrocious pun) can that make any difference what-so-ever?
And what if you don't like the various shades of brown it comes in?

Wierd!

A

 

[tropicaltone]

Hi Guys,

How fine is ADA Aquasoil then? is it as fine as sand? I don't mind having a brown substrate in fact I think it can look pretty good (personnally)

Tropicaltone

 

[George Farmer]

I'm thinking how on earth (pardon the atrocious pun) can that make any difference what-so-ever?

And what if you don't like the various shades of brown it comes in?

There is a lot of difference. Power Sand is ultra-rich in nutrients and is made up of mostly peat and pumice. Aqua Soil is clay based. Power Sand on top of Aqua Soil would result in a water column too rich in nutrients, and I dare say would also be cloudy.

Of course, like you say, you may add regular sand/gravel on top of Aqua Soil, although I've never heard of this being done. IME those willing to take the ADA path tend to follow the ADA recommendations. With a few exceptions - notably Tom Barr using 100% Aqua Soil and EI over the ADA substrate and fert range. FYI this is the technique I would likely follow if I were to use Aqua Soil.

Aqua Soil Amazonian is black, the other two are different brown. They should suit most tastes.

Personally I cover almost 100% of my substrate with plants/hardscape so substrate "shades of brown" are never an issue.

Many aquascapers also use pure sand in places where they don't plant.

Hi Guys,

How fine is ADA Aquasoil then? is it as fine as sand? I don't mind having a brown substrate in fact I think it can look pretty good (personnally)

Tropicaltone

There are two types of Aqua Soil - normal and powder. The powder is like sand, normal I think 1-3mm grains.

 

[tropicaltone]

Thanks George Farmer,

If you were going to setup a new Planted Tank which substrate would you use and where would you buy it? are any of the substrates on my original message link any good?

Tropicaltone

 

[George Farmer]

Thanks George Farmer,

If you were going to setup a new Planted Tank which substrate would you use and where would you buy it? are any of the substrates on my original message link any good?

Tropicaltone

Depends. Budget, tank size, plant types, tank spec (lighting etc.)

All the substrates mentioned will work great. Many have great success with plain substrates i.e. fine gravel. Lighting, CO2, and water column fertilisation are very important factors too. If you don't want to fertilise the water regular then you will need a richer substrate.

In my planned 120cm I will probably use Aqua Soil.

Please, call me George. George Farmer sounds too formal.