Eco Complete

[TommyLiNy]

I am thinking of using Eco Complete in my 55 gallon tank. I am looking into low light plants as I have 96watts of T5 lighting currently along with the Eco Complete. Im only planning on using it in the corners of the tank where i will have the plants and the rest of the tank will be balck sand (currently in the tank). My question is I have a White Stingray (freshwater), do you think the Eco Complete will effect the Ray at all? Thanks for taking the time to read my post and hopfully I can get a lil help

 

[mgamer20o0]

have you thought about flourite sand? i know eco fine with other bottom dwellers but not 100% sure with rays.

 

[Crepe]

I'd get sand. Rays like to bury themselves.

 

[TommyLiNy]

I already have black sand in my tank thats why I am looking at getting the eco. Also the shop I use carries eco and seaheam red thats why I was leaning toward the eco ( its black like the sand i have). Not looking to redo the whole tank just eco where i plan to plant. Does flourite come in black? Any suggestions on plants? 96w T5 4 x 24watt bulbs

 

[mgamer20o0]

flourite comes in black and in black sand as well. what size tank do you have?

 

[TommyLiNy]

I have a 55 gallon

 

[sterlingjbadon]

I can not speak about the Ray but Eco-Complete can raise the pH and KH of the water! It is a fact! It doesn't always but does from time to time. The batches of the gravel very. The Manufacture states the gravel is coated in calcium carbonate and after a few water changes the pH and KH will be stable. Well it has been an issue in my tank where I need a KH below 3 and a pH of 6.5. The pH kept raising to 7.5 and the KH kept climbing to 8. It has taking more than a few water changes to slow down the rebound. Use with caution. On the up side. The plants love this stuff. They are rooting better and faster than any tank I have had.

 

[TommyLiNy]

Thank you for the info, that really helped. They ray is very sensitive to change in levels of ph/kh and nitrates. I think I am going to go more the root tab way now that I have heard this and look into a light upgrade.

 

[mgamer20o0]

dont fw rays need more then 55 gallon?

 

[TommyLiNy]

I have the ray and 3 peacock bass which arent even an inch. The tank is more of a grow tank right now until they make the move to the 125. That only has 4 angles 4 rainbows 8 corys currently. I just got the 125 about 3 months ago didnt want to cycle the tank with the ray in it, and hes still only about 4" round so theres still plenty of room in the 55.

 

[TommyLiNy]

But if Im not going to use the eco, going to go ferts and lights... Any suggestions on a T5 HO 48" ?? I only want to plant a few swords maybe a few java ferns, mosses not looking to plant heavily its mounted in the wall and I like to be able to see thru.

 

[Crepe]

Are you talking about the same peacock bass they introduced in flordia for fishing? The kind that get to 20"? If so I think you've got an over stocking issue even with the 125 gallon.

 

[TommyLiNy]

They get alot bigger the 20" in the wild they should get as big as the tank allows. The lfs I use has 6 around 9" in a 165 and they are fine. Just need a good filter there dirty like most predatory fish. If the time comes and they are too big Ill find someone who will take them Im sure lol

 

[mgamer20o0]

dual t5 would be plenty. fishneedit.com has some nice ones for a good price.

 

[TommyLiNy]

Thanks mgamer Ill check it out

 

[TommyLiNy]

Wow those are the cheapest I have seen on here... What should I got with 1 white 1 blue, 2 white, or 1 white 1 pink bulb?

 

[mgamer20o0]

the blue will make the fish look nice but not help with the growth much. again i would look at the dual bulb 54x2 and go with 2 white bulbs.

 

[TommyLiNy]

Thanks for the info I'm going to order the lights next Thursday. Do you know a good site for plants? I've been looking on aquariumplants.com

 

[ChizerBunoi]

I only want to plant a few swords maybe a few java ferns, mosses not looking to plant heavily its mounted in the wall and I like to be able to see thru.

For the plants that you have identified, the lights you have now will be more than adequate. You don't need the eco-complete and will only be dosing trace elements every blue moon.

 

[TommyLiNy]

Thanks for the info.