Need a plant substrate!

**LoachCrazy** · 06-02-2012, 05:15 PM

I am setting up an AquaStart 320 which is 28L

What would be an ideal substrate for plants? I have spotted this one, but is seems rather expensive

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aq...substrate.html

It needs to be a substrate that is available in the UK and I don't want to spend a fortune. Is this a good substrate? If not, what would be better? Can I just have this as a substrate with no additional sand or gravel?

If not there is also this one I found

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aq...tre-brown.html

How does this one sound?

Thanks

**Aeonflame** · 06-02-2012, 06:03 PM

Lady Hobbs pointed me onto a substrate sold by the 5 gallon pail that was not too expensive. I just cant seem to remember the name right now..

Hobbsy?

**Brhino** · 06-02-2012, 06:11 PM

http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshw...trate_p/ss.htm is what Hobbs uses. I got some based on her experience and it's worked pretty well for me too.

**LoachCrazy** · 06-02-2012, 08:29 PM

Thanks! Unfortunately, it isn't available here in the UK :(

**dmagerl** · 06-02-2012, 09:32 PM

The aquariumplants substrate is reputed to be rebranded Turface which, if I googled it right, is available in the UK in landscaping stores.

Also, you can try kitty litter without all the clumping agents and scents, and any of the oil absorbants such as OilDri. They're basically just clay and make excellent plant substrates. You should test whichever you buy first to make sure it doesnt disintegrate under water. They have higher CEC values than EcoComplete. The advantage is they're really cheap but if you dont like the color beige, they're not for you.