Substrate/soil questions

[CleverBs]

I am wondering what my options are with using a "Filler" I want to do a 30g planted tank and I would like to use the ADA power soil my issue is its 45$ a 20lb bag and the aquascape I want to do will have some really deep areas in it. I am wondering can i like fill it with sand or something then add the power soil over the top? Ill need about 60lbs of substrate and I dont want to buy 3 bags of this stuff

 

[CleverBs]

or instead of sand maybe gravel?

 

[Hunter73]

I wonder if you did use something else besides all ADA if it would mix? If so, then you'd lose a lot of the positive part of the ADA.

 

[PassengerTN]

Big rocks sitting on egg crate

Jesse

 

[CleverBs]

I was thinking just using stones would be a good way to do this.

I too worry about it mixing.

 

[PassengerTN]

Rocks and egg crate are pretty standard for such venture

Jesse