PFS to Black Diamond - Same thing?

[Aparker2005]

Hey guys Been a while since I've been here but I'm about to start a redo of my 125 planted tank.

Currently I have:
125 gallon
2 36" Finnex Planted Plus 24/7 CC lights
Dose Thrive twice per week, root tabs occasionally
No c02
Pool filter sand

Plants:
Anubius
Java fern
Amazon sword
Tiger Val
Crypts
Water wisteria
Water sprite

Since I've moved from my 55 gallon to this 125 I've had almost no luck with plants. I had eco complete in that tank and wondering if I need to go back to it for this tank.

Anyway, I'm ready to ditch the PFS for a new substrate preferably black. I've been set on eco complete but nearly everyone recommends Black diamond blasting sand and root tabs. I do like this option as it's much cheaper.

Is this not just a substrate color change though? I think the PFS is suffocating my plant roots as it compacts. Does the black diamond not do that? Bigger grains?

Just want the jungle I had in my 55 gallon back is all. Thanks guys!

 

[fisheatfish]

I've used both pfs & bdbs in the past. Both work the same although, I think pfs is finer and tend to compact more densely than bdbs. Both work well to cap off dirt or other substrates. I've used both to cap off dirt and the key is to only use enough to prevent what's below from leaching out.

Before changing out what you already have, I'd try adding more root tabs and dose more. One other thing I've neglected in the past is the importance of circulation in a planted tank...helps distribute fertilizers in the water column.

Don't know what live stock you have but fish waste along with uneaten food are great sources of nutrients for rooted plants and sand prevents any of it to penetrate through.