substrate layers

KStringer · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

I've recently bought a LOT of eco-complete for a 200 gallon tank I'm
setting up. I had been under the impression that I could use the
eco-complete as the only substrate in the tank, but I've recently read
in a book on the subject that I should use a "nutrient rich" substrate
(like laterite) as only a thin layer in a multi-layer substrate. Does
anyone have any experience with Eco-complete. Can I use it as the only
layer or do I need to provide multiple layers of different types of
substrate to properly house my aquatic plants?

Not sure if it matters but here are the specs on the tank so far:

200 gallons (approximately)
4x96watt 6700K lighting
CO2 injector should be arriving soon
2xRena XP3 filters
2x400 watt submersible heaters

If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I would be greatly
appreciative. I really want to get this tank right on the first try!

Best Regards,
Kevin

Archived from group: rec>aquaria>freshwater>plants

Grae · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 1

Hi ,
I am using Eco complete as a substrate.All i did was a fine sprinkling of
peat before adding eco just to help seed the new tank.In only 3 weeks i have
tiger lotus spreading, Gloss creeping across foreground and Crypts popping
up everywhere.I recommend just using it and nothing else.
Graeme
"KStringer" wrote in message@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> I've recently bought a LOT of eco-complete for a 200 gallon tank I'm
> setting up. I had been under the impression that I could use the
> eco-complete as the only substrate in the tank, but I've recently read
> in a book on the subject that I should use a "nutrient rich" substrate
> (like laterite) as only a thin layer in a multi-layer substrate. Does
> anyone have any experience with Eco-complete. Can I use it as the only
> layer or do I need to provide multiple layers of different types of
> substrate to properly house my aquatic plants?
>
> Not sure if it matters but here are the specs on the tank so far:
>
> 200 gallons (approximately)
> 4x96watt 6700K lighting
> CO2 injector should be arriving soon
> 2xRena XP3 filters
> 2x400 watt submersible heaters
>
> If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I would be greatly
> appreciative. I really want to get this tank right on the first try!
>
> Best Regards,
> Kevin
>