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I'm pondering a transition from my gravel to Eco-Complete. While Eco-Complete isn't usually rinsed for a new setup, I believe it is recommended when replacing gravel in an established tank so it doesn't cloud up too much. Is this true? Has anyone attempted such a transition using Eco-Complete? I know it is packed in Liquid Amazon black water, which I don't really need.

How sharp is Eco-Complete in comparison to Flourite to those who have seen or felt the difference. I'm hoping Eco-Complete is softer/smoother. Comments on its texture would be appreciated.

If I get a bag, I would look to do a little each week. Will the Eco-Complete hold up our "sour" on me if I don't use it all up after opening.

Has anyone ever noticed a change in pH? I have 7.7 pH in my tank and would not want to see the black water drop the pH (assuming it is more neutral or acidic than what my tank is at).

Thanks

Diane

Cory,

I have used EcoComplete in a couple of aquariums. I love it despite the cost. It is a cross between sand-sized granules and gravel with no noted sharp points.

I set up a 125 with 200 pounds of Eco without a rinse. Planted immediately and then filled with water. I had absolutely no clouding of the water from the substrate! I then added my two mature filters, 9 discus, 6 corydoras, 12 tetras and 5 BNs that day.

I have had no problems with clouding and only a slight case of brush algae since setting up the tank on 11/21. The tank has 384W of light. Plant growth has been good without the use of CO2.

Given my experience, I would not hesitate to break down a mature tank and replace the substrate with EcoComplete if I could maintain mature filters.

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

Great feedback.

I've been thinking of a breakdown of the tank too, in order to do it. I'm still curious as to what effect Eco-complete may have on the pH my fish are so use to.

Straight from the cold tap: 7.0

After overnight bubbling; equalizing gases with atmosphere: 8.0

20 long avg pH: 7.7

If your tap results are similar, then I'd be interested in your pH, especially since you are not adding co2, which would drop it. With plants I know it could vary between early AM when lights first go on and plants have produced co2, versus evening.

What kind of plants do you have in there Bob? I'd like to move away from stem plants, but my 20 long is quite shallow - a feature that I love, but can be a challenge for taller plants. I need things that will rapidly take up nutrients from my overstocked tank.


Last edited by Cory_Di at 21-Jan-2005 12:56

Cory, for picks of what Eco looks like up close click [link=here]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Photo%20Booth/52562.html" style="COLOR: #00C000[/link] scroll thru the pics. You will find some up close shots of my Eco. This tank is 100% Eco.

I wouldn't do a little at a time if I was you. I think you'll have more trouble than it's worth trying to sort out the old gravel from the Eco.

I would pull everything out of the tank, do one heck of a gravel vac. No need to worry about the bacteria in your old gravel. Eco cycles tanks instantly. Then make the swap and be done with it.

You mean break the tank down with the fish still in it? Hmmm.....

I think I would remove them all to some rubbermaid bins. I'm going to hold off for now. It is not something I can do now, but something I'm contemplating, maybe for the spring.

Follow this link to a shot of my tank: http://www.aquaforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1465&st=20. Click on the 01/14/05 post that was about 7 weeks from setting up the tank.

My water is very similar to yours and I do daily water changes with tap water for the discus. I do have 3 wpg in lighting that should give me algae problems with the bioload.

Plants are: echinodorus opacus, e. tenellus, e. 'ozelot green', e. rubin, cryptocoryne balansae, c. wendtii 'green', c. undulata, aponogeton bolivianus, nymphaea lotus v. rubra, anubias barteri v. nana, a. barteri v. barteri, bacopa caroliniana and microsorium pteropus. The tall bright green plants are hygrophila difformis. Grow like a weed and sucks up ammonia, nitrates and phosphates. Unfortunately, it needs trimming and can be "fu fu".

The crypts are a favorite plant. I have used them in low to bright tanks. The c. undulata would be a great specimen plant in your tank if you got a "mother" plant.



Last edited by bob wesolowski at 22-Jan-2005 11:52

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

Thanks Booger for the closeups and Bob for your pics. Bob - absolutely gorgeous discus display!

NP Cory.

Was this directed at me?
"You mean break the tank down with the fish still in it? Hmmm....."

If so,
"I would pull everything out of the tank"
read: everything..

Didn't spot your question . Yes, it was directed at you.

I keep looking at that tank thinking boy, I'd really like to break it down. But, I have to wait for spring. Until then, I just think about it. I'd like to put a bigger tank in that spot, but am limited to 30 inches.

Goodness I love Florida:88)

Di,

The only reason that I set-up the 125G in November in Michigan was that I didn't have to rinse gravel. Broke down three tanks, stripped plants from them, set-up the 125, planted it, filled it with water and replaced the fish all in one day. The key was "no rinsing"!\

Never set a foot outside to use the hose in cold weather, never rinsed the 200 pounds of substrate and never had a hint of a dust cloud or a bacteria bloom. Gota love it!

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