Eco-complete...annndd?

[domjd05]

I am planning to use Eco-complete in my 125g planted discus tank, however I really don't like to use gravel so I am planning on using a layer of sand on top to cover the gravel... I was set on using white sand, but now I'm having second thoughts as I'm sure the two would mix over time, and look horrible... any suggestions?

[bushwhacker]

plain old playsand yeah its gonna mix. but a 2 inch layer will take some time, and the plants should have covered it by then lol

[KingFisher]

Any sand you use will end up on the bottom over time. Larger particles(gravel) will always make their way to the top. Also, a mix of dark and light substrates would not look good IMO.

Why not go with Flourite black sand? That way, the plants will thrive and you will get the look of sand instead of gravel.

[domjd05]

Interesting... I've heard eco-complete is a little better than flourite, and that flourite tends to make water cloudy.. is this true?

[Lab_Rat]

Interesting... I've heard eco-complete is a little better than flourite, and that flourite tends to make water cloudy.. is this true?

I went with flourite sand, no problems with it being cloudy at all. It was actually recommended over the eco complete from several different people I trust. I also have the black flourite for my 75g and it looks great. It's a finer substrate than regular flourite or even eco complete. No cloudy water with it either. The only way flourite makes your water cloudy is if you don't properly rinse it.

[KingFisher]

I've had no problems with cloudy water, and my plants grow great in the flourite sand.

[domjd05]

I've heard great things about flourite and eco-complete...

the most common complaints from the eco-complete seem to be that it compacts over time... and with the flourite, when not extensively washed, it will cause cloudy water... I think I've ruled out the white sand on top though, and I definitely don't want gravel... so that pretty much leaves me with black flourite sand! lol, thanks guys!

Oh yeah, I was wondering, can I get a pic of a planted tank with the black flourite sand to get an idea of how it would look?

[Sarkazmo]

Interesting... I've heard eco-complete is a little better than flourite, and that flourite tends to make water cloudy.. is this true?

Eco-Complete does come in RED so you could mix with playsand and not get the huge contrast problem... I have EC in a few aquariums and they're all sparklingly clear. EC has fairly small grain size so It's much finer than say standard aquarium gravel. TMS would look nice mixed as you'd probably end up with areas that are a little rocky and others that're smooth sand. Better yet would be black Flourite sand as it would help any plants in the tank more than inert sand, whatever the colour. I have EC straight and mixed with inert gravel and both tanks grow plants like mad.

Sark

[domjd05]

Thanks, I will probably go with EC-black, and moon sand on top... I'm not going to use the flourite sand on top because its a 125g tank and as it is, the EC is going to cost a pretty penny.. lol.

[MCHRKiller]

The Flourite sand dosent really cost any more than the EC or the TM sand.