Best Planted Tank Substrates???

[Batboi3000]

Hey Everyone,

I am just getting into this whole planted tank thing. Just set up my first planted tank about 2 weeks ago. So far I am loving it and finding it quite addicting. My question is, what kind of substrate does everyone use? And how has your experience been with it? I know sand works pretty well for most anything planted, but what about other stuff? Anyone else have experience with other planted tank substrate? Like Seachem Flourite, Carib Sea Flora Max, Eco Complete. There is something similar to these dirts on plantedaquariums.com that is like a clay based substrate and a friend of mine loves the stuff.

http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater_Aquarium_Plant_Substrate_p/ss.htm

Right now I am just using pool filter sand in my 29 gallon and so far the plants don't seem to mind it, especially after putting on a better light system. I would like to try one of these clay based planted substrates, but would like to hear from others first before I go buying something. Thanks for you input!

 

[Mount_Prion]

Personally I like to do a melange (mix) of substrates. I find the variation looks cool and more natural, and you know that way that in some sense your plants are getting a little of everything. Sort of like variation in fish diet, or at least that's what I tell myself.

I've had great experiences with flourite though.

 

[HybridHerp]

Organic potting soil and pool filter sand is amazing, but the one down side is that rescaling becomes messy and pulls up a lot of dirt.

I used Eco complete in my big tank that I have in my sig, and it works nicely provided I dose ferts and all.

Sad is nice but doesn't hold nutrients well, Eco doesn't have the suction of sand nor nutrients like dirt, but t absorbs nutrients very well.


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[Batboi3000]

Just ordered a couple bags of Seachem Onyx Sand from my local fish store cause i had a bunch of store credit and it was the best looking planted substrate they could order. Anyone have any experience with this stuff?

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[Fat Homer]

I use ADA Soil, which is a clay type of soil... packed with all the nutrients you'll need for a planted tank...

 

[izzy_here]

I use the product in your link, AquaDurt, it's comparable to the more expensive substrates, and works every bit as well. Had great luck with it, and it has a nice price.