Eco Complete

[JML1997]

What is eco complete, is it sand, gravel, or soil?
I've been interested in some for a 20 gallon long tank. I've heard it is for plants, but can it be used for a tank without plants? Also, how many lbs/kg would i need to have 2"- 2 1/2" in a 20 gallon long?

thanks in advance

Justin

 

[benzjamin13]

The only way I can describe it is...it's like a coarse sand/gravel mix. It has nutrients that will help plant thrive and grow. If you don't want plants, I just suggest getting gravel or sand. You would probably need 30lbs.

 

[JML1997]

Ok, thanks, but is it ok to have it without plants?

 

[benzjamin13]

Should be fine.

 

[TRD_Power]

Would be fine to have on its own, but it would cost you quite a bit more for no reason without plants in it.

 

[Laticauda]

Yeah, the only reason people want to have it and are willing to pay the extra money is for the benefits of plants.

Why would you want it if you don't have plants? Why not just buy a cheap bag of pea gravel from lowe's or a hardware store?

 

[JasonG75]

Ok, thanks, but is it ok to have it without plants?

please explain WHY you would want to buy a bag of Eco for $20 and NOT put plants in it...sounds rather ODD.

 

[jcardona1]

please explain WHY you would want to buy a bag of Eco for $20 and NOT put plants in it...sounds rather ODD.

For looks I'm guessing. Eco Complete does look nice on it's own, but it's rather pricey to do so.

Here's a substrate calculator that will tell you exactly how much you need. Eco Complete comes with water in the bag, so that's need to be taken into account.

http://www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html

 

[JasonG75]

Just go here then .... 1$ per pound of Colored Sand and you dont have to worry about the Ammonia levels.

http://www.holeyrockoftexas.com/index_files/Page6721.htm

 

[JML1997]

I never relized how much more it costs than normal gravel or sand, but thatnks for all your help