sparklymoonshrimp Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 I've used the Fluval Stratum for Plants & Fish but it's so messy, it breaks down quickly into a fine powder that coats every thing. I'm wondering if there is a good planted tank substrate that is a bit more solid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 i use gravel myself. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mmiller2001 Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 There is no "best", but look for inert substrates if you want them to not break down. Pool filter Sand Eco Complete Gravels Caribsea Sands Things like those. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 For tanks with soil I’m a huge fan of Fluval stratum then putting a gravel cap of about 1” on top. Have you tried using a gravel/ sand cap? other than that I think any soil you put in an aquarium will break down and eventually become messy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 I just set up an experimental 20 gallon tall tank. I put about an inch of dry cow manure, about the same amount of potting soil, and then about 1-1/2 inch of pool filter sand, and planted pearl weed. If you, or anyone else, ever tries this, be VERY careful when adding water. I wasn't careful enough, and some of the potting soil came up through the sand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 On 11/5/2021 at 10:25 AM, JettsPapa said: I just set up an experimental 20 gallon tall tank. I put about an inch of dry cow manure, about the same amount of potting soil, and then about 1-1/2 inch of pool filter sand, and planted pearl weed. If you, or anyone else, ever tries this, be VERY careful when adding water. I wasn't careful enough, and some of the potting soil came up through the sand. oh boyyy, when you said be very careful when adding water i was waiting to hear you dumped water in and it splashed into your mouth.😱 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerPride Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 I liked using about 1.5 inches of organic potting soil with worm castings and crushed mexican pottery clay then a 2 inch cap. Have to do a few huge water changes and its still murky for about a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 On 11/4/2021 at 10:32 PM, sparklymoonshrimp said: I've used the Fluval Stratum for Plants & Fish but it's so messy, it breaks down quickly into a fine powder that coats every thing. I'm wondering if there is a good planted tank substrate that is a bit more Does color matter or nutrient rich / no nutrients matter to you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 On 11/5/2021 at 11:11 AM, lefty o said: oh boyyy, when you said be very careful when adding water i was waiting to hear you dumped water in and it splashed into your mouth.😱 No, but I've been around cattle all my life, and I've had it all over me; usually fresh and directly from the source onto my pants, and occasionally my shirt. My father used to say "That's okay. It's clean. It hasn't been on the ground." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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