Hi, I want to replace my regular pool filter sand with either Eco Complete or Seachem flouriute substrate. In doing this task, will fully replacing teh substrate harm the fish at all? Do i need to rinse the new plant specific substrate or is it ok to just dump it all in? And also, I know it has minerals and fertilizer stuff in it, but how long does that last for before the plants use it all up? Thanks!
Replacing Substrate question?
- Thread starter Electric45
- Start date
you do not rinse Eco Complete, not at all; but you definitely need to rinse Flourite (a lot) . . . Eco Complete will cause some initial cloudiness, but it settles quickly, while Flourite will remain cloudy for hours and hours (even after rinsing)
with Eco, you can "dump it all in" w/o any trouble (once you've removed all of your existing substrate), but it would be better if your fish are not in the tank at the time . . . if they have to remain in the tank, just add it more slowly
they should both remain effective for years; they have in my tanks . . . personally, I prefer Eco
another substrate you might want to try is this one:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater_Aquarium_Plant_Substrate_p/ss.htm
I only have it one tank, a 12G nano-cube, but I think it's awesome . . . plants are doing amazingly well, especially crypts and swords . . . and it settles in minutes (although it also had the effect of dramatically increasing hardness and lowering Ph, at least in the short-term)
with Eco, you can "dump it all in" w/o any trouble (once you've removed all of your existing substrate), but it would be better if your fish are not in the tank at the time . . . if they have to remain in the tank, just add it more slowly
they should both remain effective for years; they have in my tanks . . . personally, I prefer Eco
another substrate you might want to try is this one:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater_Aquarium_Plant_Substrate_p/ss.htm
I only have it one tank, a 12G nano-cube, but I think it's awesome . . . plants are doing amazingly well, especially crypts and swords . . . and it settles in minutes (although it also had the effect of dramatically increasing hardness and lowering Ph, at least in the short-term)