Which designer substrate to try?

[B Considine]

I'm converting an old 2.5 used for hermit crabs and a 5 used for anoles into planted aquariums, and was wondering what substrate to try between the two. Since I've entered the nano contest, that will be my first try with Aquasoil. So, Flourite of Eco-Complete?

Or, should I stick with the tried and true inert substrate with laterite? I've been there, done that, and liked what I saw.

I'm not sure about using a proxy (Soilmaster or Turface) and I'm definitely not at the make-your-own soil comfort level yet.

Blaise

[DelawareJim]

Turface/Soil Select and ADA Aquasoil seem to be the hot items right now. I've not tried either myself but I've heard really good things about both.

Of course the same was said about Flourite and Eco-complete a couple of years ago too.

I'm using an inch of garden soil topped with an inch of Flourite in my non-stem plant, low-tech 2.5's and 5's and I'm basically satisfied with the set up. You won't see amazing results, something more along the line of a 6-12 month jump on getting the plants and substrate established. Sort of like that point when you realize you have a good mulm base in your inert substrate.

I didn't mineralize my soil a-la Sean, I just screened it through a piece of 1/4 inch hardware cloth, picked out the pebbles and pieces of root and spread it in the tank. So far, I haven't killed anything.

Cheers.
Jim

[Aaron]

Flourite is too sharp and large in size for my liking. I would go with the Eco-Complete or Soilmaster Select.

[B Considine]

If I've read the webpage correctly, the Lesco's in Elkridge has 50# bag of charcoal colored Soilmaster in stock. Way more than I need. Anyone want to split some?

[krisw]

Just to note. If you do get Soilmaster, make sure you get "Soilmaster Select". Plain old "Soilmaster" has large granules.

[B Considine]

I misread. It wasn't that particular store that had the gray. I might give them a call anyway.

Kris, the Elkridge store is where you bought the brownish soilmaster, correct?

[krisw]

Yes, Elkridge only had the "red" color when I got it last year. As you could see, it's labeled red, but it's really more of a tan in the tank.

[Aaron]

The Silver Spring store has the charcoal color in stock. If Elkridge is closer they'll likely have one sent to that store for you.

[B Considine]

Kris,

Since I know you've got a little of everything in your tanks, aside from the Aquasoil, which substrate do you think has provided the best growth? From what I saw at the meeting, all your tanks looked lush.

And is Aquasoil really that much better than Flourite or Eco? How much different can a clay-based substrate be?

I ask in all honesty because last time I got into the "tekkie" aspect of aquariums Dupla was all the rage. Now you really don't hear about them. Can the same be said for the designer substrates?

[Aaron]

The Aquasoil actually has nutrients in the form of peat, soil and clay. They don't last forever though and mild dosing is needed after about 6-8 weeks.

The Eco-Complete also has some nutrients, but I wouldn't call it complete.

Flourite is inert, but holds nutrients well making them available to the roots of the plants.

Soilmaster does the same thing as Flourite only much better and cheaper. It is however, lighter than Flourite.

Dupla isn't on the scene much anymore. From what I understand they went out of business.