How large is the tank? Certain substrates, like fluval stratum, can get spendy in larger tanks. I've used FS for a long time without any issues. I researched the heck out of it prior so I knew about the complaints going in. TBH, it never really clouded my water or disintegrated into mud in over a year of using it. I used it in a fast growing high tech tank so there was a good amount of pulling plants out and replanting. Knowing it's weaknesses of being lightweight and somewhat delicate, I was fairly gentle with it. Even when filling the tank for the first time I made sure to not disturb the substrate too much by using a bowl to catch water as I'm pouring in water slowly. This minimized disturbance and reduced cloudiness. Also, you don't rinse FS. Doing so only exacerbates the cloudiness.
I used FS as a top layer over a bed of Floramax. Putting sand on top will only work it's way down under the FS over time. Like cookie crumbs in a jar.
I've never tried dirted before. Now that I find to be messy if you're going to be pulling plants or rescaping. However, it is a very cost effective option in larger tanks. I'd do miracle-gro first layer with a cap of sand or eco complete (if not 100% eco).
Fluval stratum, IMO, is an attractive substrate. I'd rather have it on top. It also acts as a pH buffer. But FS's other weakness is that it's not as nutrient packed as ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia, which looks similar. For that reason, ADA AS is the best substrate if it's within budget.
