Substrate for aquariums?

[silverdollar101]

I have seen in set-up videos a dirt like substance put on the bottom of the aquarium instead of gravel, what is it , and how would it be cleaned or does it have to be.

 

[black hills tj]

It was probably a specialty substrate or planted tanks similar to eco-complete.

 

[2cvbloke]

I read in a magazine (I have it at home so can't get it) in which an aquarist uses soil from his garden to help the plants grow, but I really would have to re-read the article again to find out what he does to make it safe for fish...

Otherwise, there's Pool-filter sand or other aquarium-safe sands, and very fine gravel, which could look like dirt...

 

[silverdollar101]

Well with the eco complete it says you could add a lyaer of non-carbonate substrate on top.

so does that mean a thin layer of regular gravel. or if you do not add that, would you have to clean the substrate or would it do it itself.

 

[Devilishturtles]

You can use Eco-Complete all on it's own with no problem. It's kinda expensive though and really only worth it if you have plants.

Some people use a layer of soil and then gravel on top, but I don't know how easy that is to do. And again, not worth it unless you are interested in growing plants.

If you want a dark substrate that isn't gravel, look into black tahitian moon sand. I have some in my 10 gallon and really love it.

To clean it, you would use a regular gravel vaccum such as the Python or any brand gravel vaccum.