changing substrate

[agp]

I currently have a 15W light rated at 6700K with a CO2 system for my 10 gallon planted tank, but I'm thinking about changing the gravel to something better for plants. Should I layer the bottom with just Eco-Complete, or should I put a layer of Eco-Complete then a layer of another substrate (such as PFS)? How thick a layer of each do I need to have?

 

[Big Dog]

Just use the Eco-Complete. You should have at least 3" worth of gravel. I hope this helps you out.

 

[meegosh]

A couple things, with that little light over a 10g you probably don't NEED to run CO2. As far as the eco/sand questions. Typically you want a decent 3" of substrate. If you layer the eco and sand the sand will eventually work its way to the bottom and the eco will be on top. Just a FYI. Many people have done this and don't realize the sand will settle to the bottom.

 

[agp]

I'm thinking of making half the tank Eco-Complete only 3", and the other half with Eco on the bottom, and white gravel on top, and shaping it like an Yin-Yang pattern. The darker side will have dark driftwood and red/brown plants, and the lighter side will have white/gray rocks and green plants. Then I will find a black rock and put it on the Yang side, and a white rock and put it on the Yin side

If I were to use 3 inches of Eco for the dark side, how much Eco and gravel do I use for the Yang?

 

[meegosh]

I would use 2" of eco and 1" topping of the white gravel. Just be warned, it will be all mixed together eventually.

 

[agp]

And any recommendations for easy/fast-growing brown/red plants? I currently have Rotala wallichii and Ludwigia repens. How about green ones? I currently have a Crypt parva and DHG.
No Anubias/Java ferns please.

 

[Lowryder]

I like my Ozelot sword. It is green with red specks. I have a few more favorites but you will need to upgrade to atleast 2wpg for maybe some blyxa aubertii. How about a kleiner bar sword? Giant sag. is pretty cool as a background plant.

 

[mgamer20o0]

there are plenty of red and brown crypts out there. i wouldnt do any swords in a 10 gallon though. they do get a little large.