Best CHEAP Substrate.

[TrueEnvy]

So I. Redoing my 55 with real paints and jest need a good substrate... But I waint it to stay under 15$ for 10lbs... And would I be able to keep some of my river rocks on top? Well what I mean do you think it would look good?

[scuba dude]

Pool filter sand if you want a light color or you could use black beauty sandblasting sand if you want a black color. Filter sand is available at pool supply store ( obviously ) and black beauty can be found at a place like tractor supply.

[TrueEnvy]

And it's safe for fish? I'm really paranoid about stuff like that but I was think about a black bottom

[scuba dude]

There are other active threads here as far as your sand choices. If I remember they called it black diamond ( I always knew it as black beauty ). Filter sand is what I used with no issues at all. I think it was $5 for 50 lbs. Do a quick search and sure there is lots of info about it.

[Brian_Nano12g]

Eco Complete is the best inexpensive "planted" substrate IMO. Not sure elsewhere, but on Amazon it's 20$ for 20 lbs. Sand is inert, I wouldn't recommend it for a planted tank unless you're using it as an accent to your scape (i.e. riverbed, shore, etc.) or as a cap... some people who want to go even cheaper use organic miracle grow capped with sand. But Eco complete is worth the extra cost as it's easy to work with, not messy, plants root well in it, has trace micro nutrients, an attractive substrate, and has a high CEC (hint: research "CEC and Eco Complete").

[TrueEnvy]

Originally Posted by Brian_Nano12g

Eco Complete is the best inexpensive "planted" substrate IMO. Not sure elsewhere, but on Amazon it's 20$ for 20 lbs. Sand is inert, I wouldn't recommend it for a planted tank unless you're using it as an accent to your scape (i.e. riverbed, shore, etc.) or as a cap... some people who want to go even cheaper use organic miracle grow capped with sand. But Eco complete is worth the extra cost as it's easy to work with, not messy, plants root well in it, has trace micro nutrients, an attractive substrate, and has a high CEC (hint: research "Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Substrate

e").

I was looking at CaribSea® FloraMax™ Planted Aquarium Substrate and Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Substrate
They both look good...

[scuba dude]

Should have mentioned I used filter sand in my freshwater tank and it it is planted. Not sure what the deal is with useing it for saltwater though. My saltwater was done with live sand.

[Brian_Nano12g]

Oh yeah.. I actually use floramax and was just about to edit my post to include that. Floramax is the same as EC just without the bacterial water additive. Floramax sells at petsmart for 10$ for 12 lbs. I prefer the midnight color. Another difference between EC and Floramax is that you don't need to pre-rinse EC but definitely need to on the Floramax. Not a big deal IMO... still an awesome substrate.

[TrueEnvy]

Originally Posted by Brian_Nano12g

Oh yeah.. I actually use floramax and was just about to edit my post to include that. Floramax is the same as EC just without the bacterial water additive. Floramax sells at petsmart for 10$ for 12 lbs. I prefer the midnight color. Another difference between EC and Floramax is that you don't need to pre-rinse EC but definitely need to on the Floramax. Not a big deal IMO... still an awesome substrate.

Ok ^.^ looks like I'm getting flora max =] now...I think I want the black one but the other is 15lbs and $8 lol wonder a 60-40mix... Lol

[Brian_Nano12g]

It's up to you.. I believe the original has a reddish hue. If you don't mind having red speckled dark substrate, then go for it.

[jetajockey]

The by far cheapest planted tank substrate is saf-t-sorb from tractor supply. If there's one near you check it out. $4.99 per 40lb bag.


Planted tank substrate for $5? Yes please - YouTube