FloraMax

[klsbetta]

Hello, I searched through the forums to look for a thread that would answer my question, but I didn't find any. So I'm wondering what the general consensus is for FloraMax substrate for planted tanks...I'm afraid it's not a good one, but I'm still curious! I'm starting a low-tech low-light planted tank and my Petsmart only had FloraMax and Flourite...I went ahead and bought FloraMax because I didn't want to deal with water cloudiness from the Flourite. My first choice was Eco Complete, but they didn't have it. Anyway, there ya go! Thanks in advance for the answers.

 

[Brookster123]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333759

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[klsbetta]

By that, I'll assume that it's junk for all you high-tech aquarists, but for my low-tech purposes it should be fine.

 

[fish wrangler]

It is ok so low tech. My biggest complaint is that it can be a pain to plant in.

 

[klsbetta]

I also got a couple bags of small-grain black gravel to mix in with the FloraMax, would that help with getting the plants rooted down?

 

[fish wrangler]

It might might but if they are smaller than the floramax the gravel will all sink to the bottom or vice versa

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[klsbetta]

Ah, I figured that would be the case! Oh well, I'll figure it out. Thanks a bunch for the help!

 

[fish wrangler]

Once the plants get established things shouldn't be a problem.

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[klsbetta]

Okay great! I have a few already, when I see how they do then I'll know which ones do get more of!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I've used floramax (FM) for years, and it's fine. Definitely better than gravel and sand for a planted tank substrate. It's essentially the exact same stuff as Eco Complete (EC), which is a more popular version and made by the same company, only differences are:

-EC comes with a liquid in the bag that's supposedly beneficial bacteria. FM is just dry, so no liquid weight if you're comparing price to weight ratios.

-Due to the liquid in the bag, EC does not require a pre-rinse.

-FM needs a major pre-rinse and after you flood the tank, you'll need to use the included bio-magnet packet to help clarify the water from the particulates that will cloud the water for a couple days. This will settle and subside, not a big deal.

So, IMO, when comparing EC vs. FM, I'd get either -- just which ever is cheaper. Both are semi-inert at first, so I used flourish tabs when I initially setup my planted tank with it.

 

[klsbetta]

Okay, great! That was exactly what I needed to know, very helpful, thanks so much for the reply!