LECA as their substrate?

[Alann]

Hello Everyone, was wondering if anyone has tried LECA? (Lightweight expanded clay aggregate) as their substrate in their aquarium? Setting up a 100 gallon tank and want to it to be heavily planted. Im wondering if LECA will work or if theirs any benefits 🤔 TIA

[Sarina]

Most leca isn't heavy enough to hold plants in, and a good portion of it will actually float. It's a great biological media, but it's probably not the best choice for substrate. 

[Patrick_G]

I’m thinking it’s a bit light, like @Nirvanaquaticssaid some of it  will even float. For riparian planters it would be great, but it will have trouble holding submerged plants. 

[skipper]

I’ve used Leca in net pots at the top of the tank for pothos cuttings. Any time the pot tipped the leca escaped and floated around everywhere... I went with a different set up 😂