Anyone used Eco-Complete?

[Aquafish]

Has anyone used eco-complete before? What about Flourite? Flora Max???
Does anyone know if I have to replace it every once in awhile?
Will it create dead spots in the tank like how sand will??
Should I mix it with regular gravel???

Do discus enjoy a lighter colour for substrate? or is darker the way to go?

Please help...thanks!

[BigDaddy]

I used Flourite in my planted tanks.  100% Flourite.  Some people find the cost to high, and will mix 50/50 with a small to medium sized gravel.

Flourite, to my understanding, doesn't have a "shelf life" that is to say there should be no need to replace the gravel.

[Aiglos]

I use both eco complete and recently picked up some flourite.  I cannot vouch for the flourite but my plants have no complaints from the eco complete.  I picked a bunch up on sale from BA Kanata.  If your worried about the cost keep an eye out for a sale.  

It does not have to be replaced.

[brad]

Eco will buffer your water which your Discus may not appreciate.

ADA`s Aquasoil will soften it.

Flourite is o.k.

[Julie]

Darker substrate will make the black spots(pepper) on pigeon blood discus show up more.

[BigDaddy]

And white/light substrates may have the effect of washing out a discus' colour

[Aquafish]

Eco will buffer your water which your Discus may not appreciate.

ADA`s Aquasoil will soften it.

Flourite is o.k.

Is Eco complete that bad for discus???

[Dom]

I have Discus and use Eco complete...have also tried Flourite too.  My plants LOVE eco complete and because it's black I lay a top layer of lighter stuff (either sand or gravel whichever you prefer).  

I have not had adverse affects with my PH but I also use Discus Buffer by Seachem which seems to keep it stable.  I use two bags of eco and 1 20lbs bag of black gravel and I haven't noticed a difference in it's effectiveness.  

Flourite on the other hand I don't like at all, it takes forever to settle down and leaves a film on the plants and on the glass...not worth the hassle in my opinion.

Happy plant and Discus keeping

[PaleoFishGirl]

What about critters that live in the substrate (my banjo cats, for example)? Any problems with these substrates?

[Aquafish]

thanks for the responses...