substrate

Jamie G · Post by **Jamie G** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 7:40 pm

...and I also am still contemplating the use of the cable heater, which I have, but wondering if I am going to use it.

Jamie G · Post by **Jamie G** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:30 pm

what does anyone think about this .. how about flourite as a base, either 1/3 or 50% , and the rest sand ?

Jonathan Kalmes · Post by **Jonathan Kalmes** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:37 pm

Onyx sand is like the regular onyx gravel that you've probably seen, but a smaller grain size. A little more course (larger) than play sand.

As for the flourite and sand... I'd still be worried about the sand itself compacting, plus I'd think that the sand would settle down into the flourite and cause compacting there as well. Just a theory though, never tried it.

Jamie G · Post by **Jamie G** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:43 pm

Does the AC carry Onyx Sand?.. or can u suggest someplace?

Archie · Post by **Archie** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:36 pm

I've tried the "sand on top" idea with the sand from home depot. it was cool at first, but eventually it settled into the gravel /fluorite. once it was there, i think it created an anaerobic environment b/c when i tried to mix it up, it smelled horrible. i have been looking for the onyx sand too. I haven't seen it recently at the AC, but you never know. I think someone in VA has it (Robert had some at the workshop).
another thing to point out is that there are more than one kind of "play sand" at home depot. I bought about 4-5 bags with no problem, but later i bought another bag which looked different from the others. I figured they just changed the packaging since it still said "play sand". however, when I added water to the tank it became milky. no matter how softly i added the water, the finest particle size went into suspension and honestly looked like slightly diluted skim milk. there was also a froth produced once i turned on the sponge filters. i drained the tank and kept it bare-bottom. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley5.gif" border="0">

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:40 am

Not sure if it's onyx, but I picked up the last bag of black sand from the AC last week. They might have more in by now. They keep it over in the aisle with the marine substrates, it's called "Super Naturals" a CaribSea brand. It says it's for fresh or salt water. It's a bit finer than the silica sand they sell at about .5-1 mm.
Cristy

Ghazanfar Ghori · Post by **Ghazanfar Ghori** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:04 am

I'm usiong Onyx sand - over time the finer granules
settle to the bottom. I'm getting anerobic spots
in there now. I'm switching to Eco-Complete.

Flourite grows plants well. Very well.

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:27 am

I brought the Onyx Sand in from Rick's Fish and Pet Supply in Frederick, MD as a loaner (I don't use it myself), so he does stock it, but it is a trek for most folks. And it is not the place to do plant shopping.

If anybody wants me to bring them some to a meeting, I'll check the $ and availability.

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:29 am

[QUOTE=Ghazanfar Ghori] I'm using Onyx sand - over time the finer granules
settle to the bottom. I'm getting anerobic spots
in there now. I'm switching to Eco-Complete.

Flourite grows plants well. Very well.[/QUOTE]

Obviously you weren't impressed, I wonder what I'd have to show you to get you to switch to a real substrate. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">

Ghazanfar Ghori · Post by **Ghazanfar Ghori** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:05 am

Robert - do you havea phone number for that place?
I want to see if they have any Eco-Complete

Sean - I'll do a soil substrate tank after your talk.

substrate

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