Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate

[AquaJen]

I really want to try Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate.
I am curious to see if anyone else has used it, or has heard anything about it.

Here is a link to a little info on it:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=9087

I plan on having a densely planted tank, and I want what will be most effective for it.

Also does anyone know if special substrates like these need to be replaced after so long?

Thanks
Jen

 

[BrianNY]

Hi Jen,

I'm always wary that anything having to do with fish and aquatic plants, aren't what they're advertised as. If you you use this substrate, I'm curious as to your results

 

[Guest]

I have a bag sitting here waiting for permission from the boss to set up a test tank. It's a great looking substrate that is actually black. It has a pretty high amount of trace elements in it. From what I have heard it is an awesome substrate.

And the life of substrates like this is very long. Long enough not to worry about it.

 

[AquaJen]

Thanks for responding RG and BNY!

I'll post my experiences with it, probably next month.

I can't order till the first.

This is my first attempt at a densely planted tank. I really hope this goes well.

Thanks for the positive feedback on the Eco-Complete RG.

Jen

 

[eykis9]

I hope i'm not too late but i just dump 40lbs of this into 20gal high tank and stuck some valisnara americana in it as a test and WOW! its growing like crazy! the new leaves are so beautiful! an unbelievable shade of rich green! in 2 days i measured 1.5 inches growth and that's without co2. oh i also have a 65w pc light strip. i am really pleased with this substrate. it comes packed in a nutrient rich liquid that you do not rinse off... just dump it in and add water... it also helps to cycle the tank. my tank is completely cycled after 2 weeks. the water got super cloudy half way through but i just waited and as of yesterday, it's crystal clear! and my water tests all came out fine this a.m. i say get it! i had to buy mine on line. after much research, i found it was cheapest here: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=9087
plus, that's a very reputable store!

 

[eykis9]

OOPS, i just noticed your link and my link is the same, lol... oh well!

 

[AquaJen]

Thanks for responding eykis9!

I'm glad to hear some positive feedback!

I'm going to order some as soon as I get paid.

The only place I really buy on-line is Drsfostersmith.com
(great prices, and a huge variety)

I was gonna buy some next week, but you have convinced me even more. It's nice to hear from somebody who has already used it.

Jen

 

[Pecktec]

So how did this work out for you? Im ordering some of this today.

 

[POTSHOT]

I started my first planted tank a couple months ago knowing absolutely nothing other than a LOT of reading and asking advise from the fine folks here at AA. I chose ECO based on recommendations, looks and a best price via PETCO website. Paid $16. Install was very painless. Tank cleared completely in a couple hours. I went to the "local" plant specialty FS, dropped $150 and took home the selection of plants they recommended for a newbee. I stuffed them into the substrate and most are growing like weeds. A few not so good. I'm using the Seachem Flourish chem set as ferts along with excel for carbon. I learned pretty fast that with 96W of T5HO, I'm needing CO2. Waiting to build up the bank to go down that road. As for ECO, I have no basis of comparison but I like it. PWCs don't stir it up much if you're careful and even vaccuming isn't bad as long as you stay an inch or so above the surface. IMO

 

[mudraker]

I've used eco-complete for years and I highly recommend it. Its especially good to use in lowlight, low tech tanks.

And true, you never have to change it.

 

[doublenerds]

Jen, I haven't used Eco-Complete but here is a blog of a guy who just recently grew the same plants in 3 different substrates and documented the differences in growth. It's a short-term test, of course, but there is some pretty definite evidence that Eco-Complete does live up to many of the claims of the manufacturer.

 

[Pecktec]

I found 20lb bags at Petco online for $17. $6 dollars shipping no matter how many you get. Just FYI. I'm now wondering how I'm going to sneek 80lbs of "special" gravel into the house.

 

[Marconis]

I really don't think she's going to respond, Pecktec. This thread is from 2003.

 

[Pecktec]

I really don't think she's going to respond, Pecktec. This thread is from 2003.

I know. But some have already responded giving me information so it was not in vien.

 

[adeebm]

Haha, another reincarnated thread Eco complete is pretty awesome though.

--Adeeb

 

[Pecktec]

I swear im not so lazy I wouldnt just start a new thread. I just found this in a Google search and thought I would follow up.