dwalstad

Recent Question: "I'm googling for a plant-suitable gravel for a 135-gal tank in which I want to keep altum angels and heat-tolerant, high quality plants like certain crypts and swords. The most frequently recommended gravel is eco-complete. Do you have recommendations for a gravel? I am looking at Eco Complete."

My Answer: Eco-Complete looks like nice (attractive) gravel with some humic acids included. By itself, I don't believe it will support good plant growth (you'll need CO2 injection and regular plant fertilization). Therefore, I would put a 1 inch layer of soil on tank bottom. (I use Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix, which doesn't have added chemical fertilizers.) You can put the Eco-Complete (or some other gravel) on the top. Be careful to not make substrate too deep; it could go anaerobic and kill plant roots.

For good growth of swordplants, you will also need good lighting (especially for a deep tank like a 135 gal), and water that is sufficiently hard (GH >3). Municiple water of Raleigh NC is not hard enough for robust plant growth.