another substrate question

[zach_1_6]

ive narrowed my options for subsrate to flourite of some kind. i really like the black sand flourite has and was wondering what the pros and cons of that is? i will have a c02 system and 2 x 96 watt lights on the tank, it is a 65 gal, thanks.

 

[neilanh]

Fluorite is a great substrate for a planted tank. I don't think youll go wrong with it.

 

[zach_1_6]

allright, hopefully my lfs has it in stock i haveent had luck trying to find it before.

 

[mgamer20o0]

you just have to clean it thats really the only down side. also as long as you know what it does. it doesnt really have any ferts just a few trace minerals. i would use root tabs if you have heavy root feeders.

 

[Fishguy2727]

Black sand is an awesome choice. I use Estes' Marine Sand Ultra Reef, it is not a fluorite sand but it is VERY uniform, a great grain size, and doesn't need to be cleaned. If I had to supplement eithe rway I would go with the Estes'.

 

[JustOneMore20]

I didn't care for the black flourite sand when I used it. Its really fine and even after rinsing for what seemed like forever, it had alot of silt in it and every time I disturbed it (for planting or whatever) it clouded up the whole tank and I couldn't see a thing. Maybe if I had more patience and rinsed it for hours, it would have been ok.

I have used the Black Flourite (regular stuff) and had no issues with it. My plants grew wonderfully and it didn't cloud up when I was planting. I didn't rinse it long either and just filled the tank up slow initially and it wasn't very cloudy.

 

[zach_1_6]

allright, well i think i am going to use eco-complete as it doesnt make the way all dirty, i heard it is the same to flourite... is that true?

 

[mom2reds]

I love my eco complete, I have had no problems with it at all. Good luck with your tank.

 

[zach_1_6]

thanks, i am going to try and find some eco-complete today when i go to some stores. hopfully they have some.

 

[mom2reds]

i ordered mine off of Amazon.com and got it a lot cheaper that way.

 

[zach_1_6]

i am looking into buying it online, shipping is expensive on this stuff though

 

[mgamer20o0]

you check big als since you are in canada?

 

[zach_1_6]

yes i went there yesterday they had none.

 

[aquachris]

bought my wifes eco complete (black) from big al's a week ago. it was on sale for $16 for a 20 pound bag...got her three bags. and free shipping as well. was surprised to get free shipping on those since they're so heavy.

 

[zach_1_6]

lucky you, mine cost more then that