Just a question about eco-complete

[Boxi]

Hi, recently I decided that I would like to start a planted tank, in one of my already established aquariums. I ordered proper lighting a T5HO fixture, and bought some Eco-complete for the substrate, I received my substrate and lighting today, I have not purchased plants for my aquarium yet, as I live in Canada, and i'm having a hard problem finding quality here, seeing as i'm new to the hobby. I was just wondering, Would it be okay to use this substrate for a few days before I purchase plants?

 

[zach_1_6]

Yes it is fine to use the substrate for a few days before adding plants.
I also live in Canada, why is it hard to get quality plants for you?

 

[Boxi]

Well the only store around me really is petsmart, and the plants didn't look too lively when I went there, I was looking for some online shops within Canada, but i haven't had much luck.

 

[zach_1_6]

Yes I also haven't found any source online for plants here. Is there not a Big Als pet store close to where you live? That is where I get my majority of plants from, not the greatest but it's the best around where I live. Is there any locally owned LFS's around your area? They usually carry some better looking and more healthy plants.

 

[Boxi]

I have not checked to see if there is a big als, but I definitely will now. Hopefully the selection is a little more promising then Petsmart.

 

[zach_1_6]

Petsmart will usually carry the typical Amazon swords, java fern, java moss, and maybe rotala's and vals. But like you said probably not in very good shape.

 

[fishies_in_philly]

your best best is to get plants from other hobbyists. from conversations i have had with other people who live in canada, that's what they do. just a thought.

 

[Dwane]

I am having the same problem in Canada, hopefully I can find someone on this forum that sells plants in Canada as I would much rather support one of the helpful members of this site.

 

[abbly]

I've found "fish club girl"on aquabid.com
Also aquariumplantscanada.com opening spring 2012! Really looking forward to this (website looks promising)

 

[Discusapisto]

Aquabid.com look for people under plant category with Canadian flags next to their names they will ship quality plants to you great sellers. Hope this helps.

 

[Dwane]

I had never heard of aquabid before. Thank you for this info, can't wait to order something.

 

[fort384]

Moved to Freshwater Planted Tanks.

 

[BambooBen]

Speaking of Petsmart and plants, all my local stores recently started carrying a new brand of plants with about 7 different species. They are in small 6x8 inch white packages with clear plastic in the middle. I picked up some Microsword, Green Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendtii) , and dwarf hair grass. All of it is growing extremely well.

They are so much better than the usual stock plants they sell.