Eco-Complete + Pool Filter Sand as substrate

[Ormarr]

Anybody have with using it as a planted tank substrate combo?  If not, can I expect decent results assuming I will be getting a pressurized CO2 setup as well.  This is in a 55g SA tank (most likely).

Thanks!

[beowulf]

It will likely be better then sand alone, all depends on what the ratio is.

[Ormarr]

What is usually a good depth when using sand as a substrate?  3 inch throughout (give or take)?  I could probably do half and half.  I should then be able to keep the root system in the Eco-Complete instead of the sand.

[charlie]

Anybody have with using it as a planted tank substrate combo?  If not, can I expect decent results assuming I will be getting a pressurized CO2 setup as well.  This is in a 55g SA tank (most likely).

Thanks!

What kind of sand do you plan on mixing with the eco, & why are you mixing it.
Regards

[Ormarr]

Pool Filter sand.  Well, it will be layered at first, Eco at the bottom and sand on top.  Things will surely get mixed after a while.

[charlie]

Pool Filter sand.  Well, it will be layered at first, Eco at the bottom and sand on top.  Things will surely get mixed after a while.

I`ve never used sand personally, but have seen tanks with sand & good growth, Just make sure you like the salt & pepper effect.
Regards

[Ormarr]

Well, I am planning on painting the background of that tank black.  I've considered using a mix of Eco-Complete and Black sand (or gravel), but I am worried this might make the tank look too dark and/or affect the fish and how they color up.  Are my concerns legitimate or should I not worry about it?

[fischkopp]

Well, I am planning on painting the background of that tank black.  I've considered using a mix of Eco-Complete and Black sand (or gravel), but I am worried this might make the tank look too dark and/or affect the fish and how they color up.  Are my concerns legitimate or should I not worry about it?

You worry too much 

Personally I would avoid using salt&pepper - just pepper is a lot hotter    Given the fact you do CO2 planted you will probably provide enough light to make the tank bright enough. And a dark background will actually enhance the color of the fish and plants.

[Ormarr]

Alright then.  That being said, what would you recommend I mix with Eco-Complete?  Trying to save on cost here.  I know Tahitian moon is real nice, but not exactly economical.  Is Black sand available elsewhere for cheaper?

[RossW]

I have heard Home Depot has coloured playground sand.

[fischkopp]

Alright then.  That being said, what would you recommend I mix with Eco-Complete?  Trying to save on cost here. I know Tahitian moon is real nice, but not exactly economical.  Is Black sand available elsewhere for cheaper?

Yeah, I understand you very well ...

In SuperPet times they offered plain fine black gravel from Hagens Geosystems, dont remember the exact price, but was for sure cheaper. But I have no idea where to find this now ...

[MikeM]

I believe the ex-SuperPet in Orleans still has a few bags.  It's cheaper than eco-complete, but it's still not "cheap".

[BigDaddy]

Sand over gravel eventually turns into sand under gravel.  The smaller particles will eventually work their way below the gravel.

If you want to keep a black look, why not just use the Estes Black Gravel?  Pretty cheap overall...

I used some of the Geosystems stuff in a planted tank.. not a good idea.  It was too dense and even hardy fast growing plants like Hygro couldn't get roots into it.  Same goes for playground sand... compaction can become an issue.

[Ormarr]

I've used the Estes Black Gravel before.  That was an option I was considering and sounds like a better idea for what I want to achieve.

Thanks for the input.

[fischkopp]

... Estes Black Gravel  ...

Never heard of / saw it before. Does anybody know how fine it is and where one can find it?

[Ormarr]

I bought some at Superpet/Petsmart or BA's I think.  It's pretty standard pea sized coated black gravel.

[Brine]

Ormarr, my tank has a layer of peat moss (2" or so), covered by a layer of soil (1" or so) covered by a layer of silica sand (1" or so). I already posted the links showing my tank in your post about the root system look you liked.
I got my sand at Merkley Supply Ltd.  www.merkleysupply.com 100 Bayview Avenue, Ottawa - (613) 728-2693
They may have black sand; mine is white. It was less than $10 for like a 50lb bag!! The soil and peat moss I bought at Canadian Tire.



P.S. Everyone notice the correct use of the semi-colon. While I am on that subject "a lot" is two words not one.