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Anyone any suggestions. Torn between the two. Want it to look natural, last a while and be good for live plants.

Hi,
I use 100% SeaChem Flourite. Actually either is about the
same as results. Keep in mind that you want about 3-4,
preferably 4 inches of substrate.
This link will help you decide how much to order:
http://www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html

EcoComplete did not exist when I set up my tank, so I can't
say anything specific about it.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Caroline,

I set-up my planted 110G with 100% Eco. Photograph can be located here : http://www.aquaforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1465&amp;st=20 The picture is from 1/14/5 and the plants have continued to thrive. I had used the product in smaller aquariums and had liked the results that I saw with Eco.

The product has a number of advantages as a substrate. The first through fifth reasons that I chose Eco was "NO RINSING"! I had used fluorite in the past and I felt that I had spent the first three days of the set-up rinsing substrate and then waiting for the dust clouds in the aquarium to dissipate. Eco set-up with clear water and "NO RINSING".

The product is packaged wet and is touted as biologically active. I spoke with a CarribSea rep about the product and her comment was that similar products had been available on the Marine side of the hobby for many years. I found that the wet pack allowed me to easily sculpt the substrate as the product was damp not sodden. Bottom line was that it perfect for planting before I added water.


Using a fully seeded Eheim II and Eco, I fully stocked the 110G on the day that I set it up! The bacteria filter in the gravel must have complemented the filter - no casualties, no ammonia, no nitrites since tank set-up.

Last edited by bob wesolowski at 04-May-2005 01:50

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Thanks so much for the replies. Both are around &#163;24 in the uk and both are always under stocked in shops, so will be looking on the internet for better prices and stock levels.

To be fair the Eco Complete looks to be winning from a non cloudy / rinsing point of view, and the fact its black.

Seachem Onyx sand is also a good alternative substrate for plants, and it is also black. I was suprise amaze about ecocomplete having not to rise, also it comes with bacteria benefit that will kickstart your tank and cycle in just a few days! I myself use a 50/50 mix of flourite and regular gravel plus an underlayer of peat moss and my plants are thriving as well with 100% flourite. I only use flourite because of the limited fund I can spend on the gravel, in where I live it is only $13.75 for a 15 pound flourite bag, compare to eco-complete was $23.00 per bag. Wish you luck on those thriving plants.

Cheers I will post picks when things get going.