Substrate choice

[xerxeswasachump]

I use SMS and love it. You can still find Soilmaster Select at landscaping supply companies. Just go to the Lesco site and find a local reseller. Lesco has caught on to all the aquarists using their stuff for substrate so they are going to rebrand it, it isn't be completely discontinued. Unfortunately, since they only sell 50lb bags, I have about 30lbs left! The only problem with SMS is that is is devoid of any nutrients on its own. I supplement my gravel with nutrafin root tabs. I'm sure that over time, it will absorb plenty of stuff from my fish.

[JustOneMore20]

Originally Posted by fishstix

how about flourite? What would happen if i put flourite on the bottom and the gravel on top? Same thing because of the grain size? I just am thinking of different combos

That would work, but I agree, why not go 100%. I can understand that cost would be an issue for a larger tank.

As long as the gravel is larger, it will stay on the top. But, you will have some mixing when you plant plants in it.

Originally Posted by xerxeswasachump

Lesco has caught on to all the aquarists using their stuff for substrate so they are going to rebrand it, it isn't be completely discontinued.

Good to know! I've just read from other hobbyist about it being discontinued. I thought that was crazy, seeing how so many planted tank people have been buying that stuff up. Hopefully they won't raise the price too much. And maybe it will be easier to track down.

[fishstix]

why is it being discontinued?

[xerxeswasachump]

It is just going to be rebranded. Also, there is PLENTY of SMS left so don't sweat it. Go here to find a reseller in your area: http://www.lesco.com/?PageID=27&ItemNumber=083365

[JustOneMore20]

I think this would make a good sticky, since alot of people ask about substrates and I didn't go into this much depth in my planted tank sticky. Added more links to my loooong post too, so that you can see what they look like.

[mopedman]

Do you ever have to replace your substrate due to the plants taking all the nutrients from them? I saw above that many substrates have nutrients already in them. Thanks

[JustOneMore20]

They should last for many years. I don't know that any of them have expiration dates or anything.....I would just look at the plants and if you haven't changed anything in the tank in say, 5-10 years but the plants look worse, then it may be time to replace.

[jt84]

i have Flourite in my 29 and my 1-5 gal they both look great so if you have the money go that way and if you do dont clean it too much bc that just makes it just like small rock your water will be couldy for a day but will clear up

[mopedman]

Why do these guys act like their substrate blows all others away for 1/3rd the price? http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/ss-1.htm
Are they truly good? What is your take on them? Anyone have pictures of what the substrate actually looks like in their tank? Thanks

[JustOneMore20]

Most people say that is just like Soilmaster Select and/or Turface pro (both of with are inert). They claim to have added nutrients to it. Shipping can be expensive, depending on where you are from them.....and its not that cheap. Honestly, I'd go with one of the substrates known to have nutrients in them, if you are going to spend the money.

I've seen a couple tanks of people that have used it and the plants look great. But I've seen tanks with Soilmaster and Turface that look great too, so who knows if theirs is what they say it is.

[mopedman]

If you had this substrate you can still vacuum out the tank while doing water changes right?

[Austin,S]

flourite or sand.