Substrate help

[Dusty280]

I am starting a 50 gallon freshwater planted tank. I want to put in a substrate that will work with the live plants. Any help on substrate medium? And depth? Thanks.

 

[ChizerBunoi]

If you already have regular gravel, start with that and see how things go. But a substrate designed for plants is better. Such ones to go with are laterite, Seachem flourite, Carrib sea eco-complete, Red Sea flora base. You can mix them with your existing substrate or go 100%. A gravel bed of 2 - 4 inches is desirable.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I've got PFS in one of my planted tanks... I just suppliment with root tabs. In my 125 that I just set up, I did a mix of organic potting soil and a layer of sand over it. I've got a friend who has 7 or 8 tanks with the organic potting soil and sand cap. He never doses ferts and has beautiful plants (actually where I got mine). It's not something I can say I've had success with though, as I only planted it today.

Eco Complete, ADA aquasoil, turface, and flourite seem to be the most popular.

 

[Dusty280]

Thanks for the help.... I think I would be nervous to use plain potting soil..... with the possible kick up into the water and filter, but I will try one of the commerically sold plant substrates you have mentioned. Do you know how much (lbs?) I would need for a 4 inch of this type of substrate in a 50 gallon tank?

 

[mfdrookie516]

here ya go Substrate Calculator

 

[Dusty280]

Wow awesome app to answer my question. Thanks for the help

 

[JustinKScott]

I wouldn't waste you money on a ton of fluorite. I have a 2-3" of play sand (wash very well); then a small 1/4" layer of fluorite; then 1" of large gravel to keep everything packed down.

 

[ChizerBunoi]

Go with about 4 bags to get 4 inches. You'll probably want to slope the back up higher to give the aquascape more depth.

 

[Dusty280]

Yes I bought 4 bags of Eco-complete. I have heard from some people only to use that for substrate others have said to mix the Eco with gravel?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Personal preference. I don't much care for the look of mixed substrates. Layered is one thing, but eco-complete looks good just the way it is IMO. I wouldn't worry about mixing it.

 

[Dusty280]

I think I am going to go with the ecocomplete only to a depth of about 4 inches