Tropical Fish Forums

[jsuereth]

I've been pricing different substrates for my 125G tank.

Right now I'm torn. I love the Flourite black sand in my Edge. It's just a beautiful substrate, and the high CEC makes dosing the substrate simple.

I was also thinking, financially, to use natural no-fertilizer soil (also high CEC AFAIK) and cover with children's play sand. I have a ton of it left over from my kid's sandbox, so this could be an ideal use, however it's not black


So the question: Is there a cheap way to get a good CEC substrate that has a black sandy look? I plan to have cories and tons of plants (ideally Iwagumi-like setup, but adapted for low-tech).

[DaleJr]

It isnt the first product that comes to mind but if you are willing to put in a little work how about Miracle Grow Eco? Going to a DIRTED tank.

Save a ton money NOT only on the expensive substrate but on Ferts as well. I have some over a months worth of research and when I upgrade to my 75 it is the way I am going.

[jsuereth]

That sounds pretty awesome. Are you going high tech?

Can you share any research you've done? Id love to hear more. I plan to start googling the idea.

[Peterjay]

I'm pretty much in the same boat - getting ready to set up a 90 and a 30 - I've also been researching the soil substrate method. I picked up a used copy of Diana Walstad's book, "The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" on Amazon, and if you haven't read it, she answers a ton of questions. Pretty heavy reading, but the amount of info is priceless if you want to go low-tech.

[DaleJr]

I am already in the hi-tech area except my substrate.
Pressurized co2
High light
heavy filtration
dry and liq ferts

But my substrate is my limiting factor.

There are 2 ways to go MTS (mineralized top soil) or the easy route (miracle grow eco)

Really a lot of info, I will shoot you a pm.