Anyone tried Ecotraction as a substrate?

[some_guy]

I've recently been looking into starting a planted aquarium.  I have also been looking into cheaper alternative substrates, one being kitty litter.  But I recently remember watching an episode of dragons den where they mentioned this product called ecotraction.  It's main purpose is a salt/sand replacement to give traction to vehicles and pedestrians on roads and sidewalks.  And it's supposed to be eco-friendly, unlike salt.  So i wanted to find out exactly what it is, but it seems to be a trade secret.  They only mention that it is a "hydrothermal volcanic mineral, and is a member of a special group of minerals that geologists call "tectosilicates"."

Anyway I googled it hoping to find that someone has tried it as a substrate, but i haven't been able to find much.  Only that ecotraction's website's FAQ says this:

If you have pets, EcoTraction also makes a great additive to cat litter or horse stall bedding to absorb the strong ammonia smell from urine, or can be spread on lawns to prevent grass dying from dog urine (EcoTraction converts the toxic ammonia to plant-beneficial ammonium). It can also be used as an aquarium stone to naturally absorb and reduce nitrates and sulphates in the water.

So does anyone have any ideas about this stuff?

Here's the link to their website: http://www.ecotraction.com/

[some_guy]

Wait I may have found out what it is.  I found it's MSDS.

Potassium-calcium-sodium-aluminosilicate
(K,Ca,Na) 2O-Al2O3-10SiO2-6H20

http://www.ecotraction.com/documents/EcoTraction_MSDS.pdf

According to this site it is also known as Clinoptilolite.

http://www.envisiitr.org.in/toxic-chemicals/industrial/indus_chem_item.asp?chemname=POTASSIUM-CALCIUM-SODIUM-ALUMINOSILICATE

[fischkopp]

I haven't used Ecotraction, but it looks like an interesting option as planted aquarium substrate (depending on its price). It's documented to be insoluable and safe in water, and the ability to buffer nitrates and phosphates should make it a great choice for the planted tank.

[Quatro]

$25.99 for 20kg at Home Hardware.

http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I5548289/name/traction_aid_ecotraction_20kg

[mkowals2]

Well according to that envisiitr.org link, it's caused cancer in some animal test subjects, "Maternally toxic levels, have affected embryo/fetal development", it has to be kept below 80F, must be handled with impervious gloves and clothing, and should not be discarded into natural waters. That sounds like it'll be a tricky substrate to deal with :S

[charlie]

I have not tried it or heard of anyone using it.
Here is a alternate to consider, have not used it personally, but read of lot`s of people using it with good success.- "Turface"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKbjiIac0bs
There is a similar product called "soilmaster select" others have used.

[charlie]

http://www.plantedtank.net/articles/Soilmaster-Select-Substrate/26/

[some_guy]

interesting.  Any idea where one might get that stuff in Ottawa?

[charlie]

interesting.  Any idea where one might get that stuff in Ottawa?

I think Ritche Feed & Seed have it sometimes.

[chima_p]

I am actually using the turface stuff from Ritchie Feed & Seed in Stittsville.  It was like $12 for a 40lb pound bag.  Very very dusty.  I had some hair algae issues recently but I am unsure if that was from the Home Depot play sand or the Turface.  I recently took out all the old Turface and the sand and replaced with new better rinsed Turface and #3 gravel from PetSmart.  I guess we will see if the algae returns.

[charlie]

I am actually using the turface stuff from Ritchie Feed & Seed in Stittsville.  It was like $12 for a 40lb pound bag.  Very very dusty.  I had some hair algae issues recently but I am unsure if that was from the Home Depot play sand or the Turface.  I recently took out all the old Turface and the sand and replaced with new better rinsed Turface and #3 gravel from PetSmart.  I guess we will see if the algae returns.

Thanks for letting us know it`s still available locally.I might try it .

[Laura]

Their promo material has a pic of it in the bottom of a betta bowl.  I tried some in water to check out the colour - it was sort of light greyish green - I wasn't keen on it for a substrate, but no idea if it would be good under a more decorative level.

[charlie]

It also comes in red , not sure if the red variety is locally available

[sas]

Came across this Ecotraction at my local Country Depot.
We were on our way out of the store after dropping a substantial amount of cash
on feed for the four legged ones. Mentioned it to the betterhalf, that it might be used in tanks, and all I got was a
shrug.
Thought I best move on.....but it seems to be readily available.

[darb454]

i tired it to see what it was like and didnt like it one bit, found that it was too fine of a grain and resembled sand as it didnt like to settle well in the tank. i rinsed its multiple times before putting it in the tank and many water changes later still was not happy. It also had a green tinge to it that i didnt like so after a few hours of water changing i cleaned out the whole tank and went to home depot. it is out of season and not much selection but they did have some "red rock" that is sorta like lava rock but more less just chunks of brick. 2 bags was a total of $13 with tax and was enought to cover my 150G tank and was extremely happy with it