Flourite vs EcoComplete

MAdkins82 · 04-17-2007, 05:41 PM

Does anyone know if Flourite or EcoComplete or any other one of the substrates is better than the others?

I am about to redo my angelfish tank and move it to a 45g pentagon and would like to plant it really nice and pretty.

I am trying to get away with not haveing to use Co2, is that possible? Or do I have to go for the tank in order to get good growth?

penna32 · 04-17-2007, 07:36 PM

im not an expert but i do no that you dont need CO2, the more w.p.g you have than you will need CO2 tho .. but ill let jay see this and give you a more thurough answer

jd@ga · 04-17-2007, 10:11 PM

Hey! Me personally, I like Florite the best. It seems to be cleaner also. Every bag of Ecocomplete that I have ever bought I`ve found wood, rusted nails, and metal fragments inside.
It`s very possible to set up planted tank without Co2. I`ve seen it done many times.

Jay · 04-18-2007, 07:20 AM

There are lots of substrates out there that will do the job for you, it really comes down to personal preference (after researching your options and the characteristics of each product).

I prefer fluorite also, I like the natural color, the texture, it's high cec rating, it's iron richness and the way it allows roots to penetrate and develop. I'm going on five years with the same bed. The downside of fluorite is washing it before using it can be a real hassle.

I agree, CO2 is not necessary for plant success, keep your light right at 2 wpg. You can supplement carbon by using Seachem's Excel.

Regards,
Jay

MAdkins82 · 04-19-2007, 05:35 PM

Thank you very much, I have a LFS who can order it for me but no one carries it in stock.

About how deep a bed do you use?

Jay · 04-19-2007, 08:31 PM

Hey MAdkins,

You can get it online ,check Dr's Foster and Smith, for a price comparison.

3-4 inches is about right.

Jay

MAdkins82 · 04-19-2007, 10:01 PM

Yeah thanks, I've prdered from them several times, I was hoping to find it here to avoid shipping charges but I never can bc my LFS are useless.

Nolapete · 07-11-2007, 11:52 PM

I know this is an old thread, but just FYI: Drsfosterandsmith.com does NOT charge ridiculous shipping for substrate like those other guys do. I ordered 5 bags of EcoComplete along with some other supplies and the total shipping was 16.99 for the entire order.