Changing Substrate

[Nelsontreyjones]

I was just wondering will it make a big difference switching from pool filter sand to eco complete. Is it worth all the trouble.

 

[Convict2161]

What are your goals?

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

IMO... EC is definitely a step up to sand in the planted tank arena. Sand is inert and doesn't offer much to plants w/out the need to constantly put in root tabs. EC has trace elements -- albeit minute amounts. However, EC has a high CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) which enables the substrate to absorb nutrients and time-release it back to the plants. Plus, EC is an attractive substrate that doesn't disintegrate and plants root well in it... I say go for it...all the pros outweigh the cons!

 

[Nelsontreyjones]

What are your goals?

It mainly for looks but I could justify the cost if it would benefit the plants. I am El dosing and using root tabs as needed now with the pool filter sand.

 

[Oohitsae]

Depends on the type of plants honestly...
if you have heavy root feeders, then the eco-complete would forego the need for root tabs and possibly even supply nutrients to stem plants..

I haven't used eco-complete myself, so I can't speak from experience, that's just what I've heard about it...I use the walstad method for my tanks

 

[Nelsontreyjones]

IMO... EC is definitely a step up to sand in the planted tank arena. Sand is inert and doesn't offer much to plants w/out the need to constantly put in root tabs. EC has trace elements -- albeit minute amounts. However, EC has a high CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) which enables the substrate to absorb nutrients and time-release it back to the plants. Plus, EC is an attractive substrate that doesn't disintegrate and plants root well in it... I say go for it...all the pros outweigh the cons!

Thanks for the info. If that is the case it would be better in the long run and worth the cost.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Yes I think so if your "goal" (as what Convict asked) is to dive in to planted tanks, then it's a good investment. If you're not too crazy about planted tanks and just want to stick with low light plants for instance, then sticking with sand is fine... I had 100% sand substrate in my low light planted tank and it did okay.

 

[Nelsontreyjones]

Yes I think so if your "goal" (as what Convict asked) was to dive in to planted tanks, then it's a good investment. If you're not too crazy about planted tanks and just want to stick with low light plants for instance, then sticking with sand is fine... I had 100% sand substrate in my low light planted tank and it did okay.

Well this question was actually for a establish tank. It a high tech tank. Here is it is here. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f70/40-breeder-planted-235957-6.html .

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

^^ Tank looks great. Plants look green and no algae.. How long has that tank been up with those plants?

 

[Nelsontreyjones]

^^ Tank looks great. Plants look green and no algae.. How long has that tank been up with those plants?

Thanks, the Tanks has been up for about 10 months. I have been adding and removing plants every couple months if it's not to my liking. It's been about a month with the way it is now