Replacing my substrate w/ Eco-Complete

[plecoperson]

I just redid a 5 gallon last night and replaced the red flint gravel with EC. No muss, no fuss, everybody's happy. I did this a few months ago on another tank and there were no spikes.

I. Hate. Planting. Corkscrew. Val. And. Dwarf. Sag. I would pay someone to do it, especially with no tweezers. Need 'em for Christmas!

 

[mr funktastic]

the sand i used is made by geosystems. it comes in 22 pound bags for 22 bucks(canadian) which is a pretty good deal. the only problem is that the sand isnt quite as dark as the eco. unless u can get the sand for alot cheaper than the eco i say go with pure eco. or... if u can get it 3m makes a really nice black substrate for cheap. availability may be an issue though. the sand hasnt settled yet. it seems to be doing it alot slower than the just plain eco.

 

[sherry]

no real bacteria in eco complete. I like it, but I love the aqua soil... and I have replaced 1/3 my eco complete with that. much softer and easier to plant in.

 

[dapellegrini]

Well. this is turning into a different question for me now...

What are my Substrate options? Do I have any white substrate options?

Should I mix ECO and Aqua Soil? For those using both of these... your thoughts and preferences? Since I will be tearing down everything, I want to use the substrate change out as a chance to try some new aquascaping concepts, but am still collecting inspiration for that... From that angle I am starting to lean towards a more fine substrate, perhaps more white than black....

Really I am just in my typical throws of indecision, but I want to open this up a bit to discuss all of my options:

Laterate mixed w/ something
Flourite - already use this 50/50 with older gravel
ECO Complete
ADA Aqua Soil
Onyx Sand
Power Sand
Standard Fair Aqua Gravel - out of the question
Standard Sand- probably not going to do this one either

--- Others? Pros and Cons?

 

[mr funktastic]

i like my eco but i have heard lots of good things about ada aquasoil. its softer and easier to plant in and also has a really nice black looks to it like the eco. more of a sand appearance sompared to ecos earthy look. i would say if u can afford it go with the aquasoil.