What substrates is everyone using?

[bobblehead27]

Curious what substrates would be best for a heavily planted tank, I would prefer it still be fine grains, and obviously if there's a cheaper option with equivalent results, that'd be awesome.

 

[kno4te]

Using seachem flourite in one tank and another I’m using fluval stratum.

 

[duanes]

I have used Fluorite, and pool filter sand (sometimes together).
The Fluorite seems especially good for those red plants needing iron, like Tiger Lotus, and Crypts, to maintain those intense colors.

The tank I have now is sand.

 

[mrrobxc]

Soil based is best for planted tanks since Flourite and the like are inert substrates. Someone did a real evaluation on CEC of Flourite and actually found it to be pretty low. That said, it looks good. I use Flourite sand in brown for one tank and it looks great. I use Osmocote Root tabs under my swords.

 

[Hendre]

I struggle with fluorite and its ability to hold SO MUCH detritus, it's insane. Flourite sand works extremely well though.

What size tank, fish etc. Makes a big difference in the substrate choice

 

[Gourami Swami]

I've been using fluval stratum since they sell it at Petco. Seems to work fine. I have used Mr. Aqua aquasoil in the past and noticed no difference. I have heard good things about miraclegro organiz potting soil with a layer of heavier substrate like the stratum on top. If I were to set up another planted tank that's probably what I would do.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I actually had a tank that technically had no substrate but was heavily planted. It was bare bottom but with the bottom covered with driftwood sticks cut to size then bundled together to let water flow through and let the plants take root. I used Anubias nana and Anubias petite exclusively for this as they do well on driftwood and I am a fan of Anubias.

 

[bobblehead27]

Thanks everyone. I used a substrate that I had in a bucket. Idk what it even is, but I remember when I bought it they said it was for planted tanks. I forgot I even had it. It looks like crushed lava rock. Anyway that's layered under home Depot play sand

I've been using fluval stratum since they sell it at Petco. Seems to work fine. I have used Mr. Aqua aquasoil in the past and noticed no difference. I have heard good things about miraclegro organiz potting soil with a layer of heavier substrate like the stratum on top. If I were to set up another planted tank that's probably what I would do.

I thought of using this method, I'm just nervous that the fish would disturb it and the soil would ruin the tank.

 

[adamsfishes]

Is it black? If so it's probably Eco Complete.

 

[Fat Homer]

After getting serious with planted tanks i started using soil for ease of use including ADA Amazonia / Fluval / and there is another asia brand i forgot name of...