Substrate Choices in low tech tank?

[MyMonkey]

Looking to start two tech and low maintenance tanks. One is a 7 gallon Mini bow and one will be around a 30 gallon.

I like the idea of a Walstad type Natural Planted Tank. See: http://thegab.org/Articles/WalstadTank.html

However, I have seen so many tanks using simple gravel for their substrate these days. I am curious whether at around 2 wpg I should consider using Eco Complete, the walstad method, or simply gravel?

The gravel sure sounds easiest.

I want to avoid algae issues if I can. Battled hair algae in my Reef Tank for 8 months and that sucked. 8O

 

[Purrbox]

If you're planning to do the tank entirely with the Walstad Method (lighting and everything) then I would probably try her substrate method as well. Since you list about 2 WPG, this is unlikely. In that case I'd go with Turface MVP. It's got a high CEC (ability to store and slowly release nutrients) and is very inexpensive. Either of the other choices would work well, but I just happen to prefer the performance and cost savings of Turface.

 

[MyMonkey]

Turface MVP? I did some reading on that. Used on baseball innfields? Seems this stuff has been used in planted tanks for years. I had not heard of it.

In essence, because I have lower lighting in my tank I should likely use an alternate substrate that the Walstad method. Thanks for the advice.

The office tank can recieve sunlight if I want to go that route I suppose. I will have to consider both options I suppose. Would be nice to avoid frequent water changes on both tanks.