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#1
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Eco-Complete
I'm setting up a 55 gallon freshwater tank that will be moderately planted. I
have flourite in my 75 gallon and it seems to work pretty good with the CO2 injection. Does anyone have experience with Eco-Complete substrate (CaribeSea)? |
#2
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Eco-Complete
After hashing around what mix would be optimum for plants.... I
decided on a 50/50 mix of eco-complete and flourite (with a thin layer of finely-crushed untreated lava stone in the lowest layer of the gravel bed). The eco-complete has a much finer particle size than the flourite, so it tends to settle below the surface of the gravel bed, leaving the flourite on top. In the long run, it may or may not make a difference in plant growth.... the eco-complete is nice-looking on it's own, but I wanted the look of the flourite. My reason for mixing is the different nutrient complexes contained within these substrates (the shotgun approach to plant nutrition) I guess it more depends on what look you'd prefer... the dramatic, dark contrast of the eco-complete, or the rich tones of flourite. Either product you use whether alone or in conjunction with each other will no-doubt yield good results with your plants. |
#3
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Eco-Complete
Everyone I know who has tried it got black brush algae infestations in
their tanks (even people who have never had it). I ignored them and used it anyway. After about the 5th week, I saw the beginnings of black brush algae on my plants. I would say don't use it. (Engine21) wrote: I'm setting up a 55 gallon freshwater tank that will be moderately planted. I have flourite in my 75 gallon and it seems to work pretty good with the CO2 injection. Does anyone have experience with Eco-Complete substrate (CaribeSea)? |
#4
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Eco-Complete
Well, now you know of someone who hasn't had that problem.
Eco-Complete is working well for me. Cris On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 07:46:11 -0400, " Gink wrote: Everyone I know who has tried it got black brush algae infestations in their tanks (even people who have never had it). I ignored them and used it anyway. After about the 5th week, I saw the beginnings of black brush algae on my plants. I would say don't use it. |
#6
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Eco-Complete
You can't blame BBA on your substrate, like Tom mentioned it's
probably CO2 related. Sure it has nutrients in it but with CO2 and correct fertilization there is no reason why that should cause any problems. Perhaps for a non CO2 tank a more inert substrate such as flourite may be an easier choice... Personally, I like the look of eco-complete, however having used both I still prefer Flourite for the following reasons: 1. Flourite is heavier therefore it is easier to plant in and holds stems better until they are rooted. 2. Roots seem to grip the eco-complete better than flourite, making the task of pulling out rooted plants messier compared to Flourite. 3. It raises hardness. 4. Vacuming Flourite is easier than eco-complete due to the weight difference. As you can see all mechanical related reasons besides the hardness issue. As far as plant growth goes, eco-complete on it's own is growing plants very well for me while Flourite being inert requires additional substrate fertilization to get the same results (that is if your fertilization regeim also relies on substrate fertilization). Personally I prefer to fertilize the substrate myself as I have more control over it and I can keep the nutrients down deep where they won't be released into the water. Having said all that, if you like the look of eco-complete, you certainly won't have problems growing plants in it, nor any algae issues due to the substrate itself. Both of these substrates are very good IMO. Hope that helps Giancarlo Podio " Gink wrote in message . .. Everyone I know who has tried it got black brush algae infestations in their tanks (even people who have never had it). I ignored them and used it anyway. After about the 5th week, I saw the beginnings of black brush algae on my plants. I would say don't use it. (Engine21) wrote: I'm setting up a 55 gallon freshwater tank that will be moderately planted. I have flourite in my 75 gallon and it seems to work pretty good with the CO2 injection. Does anyone have experience with Eco-Complete substrate (CaribeSea)? |
#7
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Eco-Complete
Perhaps for a non CO2 tank a more inert substrate such as
flourite may be an easier choice... No, not IME or IMO with non CO2. Flourite is excellent for non CO2 tanks. I have never had any algae related issues with Onyx, Eco Complete, or Flourite(6 years now). Regards, Tom Barr |
#8
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Eco-Complete
" wrote in message m... Flourite(6 years now). Sheesh, 6 years ???!!! Here in South Africa there are NO, none, zero, zilch, nada, f/a...substrates for planted tanks. Tom, if you know any dealers personally tell them the market in South Africa is wide open. A great business oportunity for sure, I for one would be most chuffed It's very depressing reading about all this fancy stuff you know you won't be seeing in a while. Flourite is a Seachem product is it not? How much does a bag/packet of flourite weigh? Are there different sized packages? How much of this stuff would I need for a 3 foot tank? I'm seriously thinking of having some shipped over!!!! -- **So long, and thanks for all the fish!** |
#9
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Eco-Complete
Actually I was referring to eco-complete. I haven't tried eco-complete
in a low light tank yet, but I've seen how it can effect water hardness so I'm not sure if anything else is released into the water that I wouldn't want to be there in a low light tank. Flourite is working great for me in low light, has been for years, same as onyx sand but I haven't used it in a while now. I guess if hardness is the only effect eco-complete has on the water column then it should be fine, but at the rate I do water changes in my low light tanks, I'd be a little concerned about hardness constantly going up. Have you had the same experience with eco-complete? Perhaps it will taper off gradually, I've only been using eco-complete for around 4 months now. Regards Giancarlo Podio ) wrote in message om... Perhaps for a non CO2 tank a more inert substrate such as flourite may be an easier choice... No, not IME or IMO with non CO2. Flourite is excellent for non CO2 tanks. I have never had any algae related issues with Onyx, Eco Complete, or Flourite(6 years now). Regards, Tom Barr |
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