MatPat

Here is a very good article by Jamie S. Johnson to help folks with some substrate choices. A lot of the newer substrates like ADA's products and Eco Complete were not tested but for folks who are looking for a good, economical substrate, this may be a good read. About half way throught the article there is a table listing several different types of substrates and their nutrient content.

"Substrates for the Planted Aquarium"

evercl92

good find Matt.

woody21

Thanks mat , a good read.

dawntwister

Very interesting chart for types of substrate. Wondering, what chemicals are the most important for the plants. I know Fe (iron) is 1 necessary chemical. What other chemicals should be high?

MatPat

As far as the chemicals plants need not many substrates (other than maybe soils) contain what they need the most, nitrogen and phosphorous and potassium. Most substrates just have the micro nutrients in them. This is where I think the CEC ability of the substrate comes into play. The higher the CEC the better the substrate.

If you dose the water column properly, I think the plants could care less about the substrate though substrate may help a little

dawntwister

After reading that kitty litter has iron in it, I did some more research on kitty litter and found this info at http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Fertil...at-litter.html.

Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000
In my 55 gallon with almost exclusively kitty litter that plant roots penetrate eagerly. I have a friend with a 125 gallon all kitty litter substrate with 1.5 inches "gravel" on top. He had to tear it down when he moved. The plants had grown so well that the substrate was almost one large mass of roots!!! I've noticed in my kitty litter substrates that the 'soil' is actually not very compact. In fact it seems to be almost in a state of suspension. It woldn't take much water flow to greatly disturb it. However I also notice the roots on the side of the aquarium (looking through the glass) growing very well, especially with my Glosso which has rapidly grown through the 1.5 inch of "play sand" into the kitty litter. This glosso, from several 'sprigs' has grown into a virtual carpet in only 4 months. And I haven't added any CO2!!! I love my kitty litter substrate!!!
by WEREED5518/aol.com Eric

Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999
After testing pH's, I narrowed it down to STP Oil-dri and Special Kitty litter (Wal-Mart brand in red bag). Special Kitty pH of 1 tsp/cup water, swirled, allowed to settle was 6.5.
by "Jamie Johnson" <jjohnson/davisfloyd.com>

Since replanting can cause some litter come up I am going to add it to the top soil I am using. I will top it with flourite. I have to test flourite's ability to keep the dirt down before I decide if I am going to need to use some sand on top.

Zapins

Good choice for a sticky. I remember finding this page several years ago and I found it very helpful. One of the only good soil info pages out there.

hoppycalif

The problem with kitty litter is that it is kitty litter. It is manufactured to be good for that purpose, so changes that improve it may be changes that make it totally unsuited as a substrate. The original idea was always to use basic, cheap, generic brand kitty litter, that was too cheap to contain substances not suited for being in an aquarium. But, that makes suggesting a specific brand very difficult and only good for that specific time, possibly in that area of the country.

I never tried kitty litter, because of that worry. There are too many other good substances to use that don't present the potential problems of kitty litter.

Manwithnofish

Someone said, Can anyone tell me what ADA Aqua soil is?

gasteriaphile

So-called "kitty litter" is basically calcined clay but it differs from the typical form such as Turface in that the kitty litter type has a clumping agent that would be disastrous to use as a substrate! Forget about "kitty litter" as you may not be getting straight, pure, unadulterated calcined clay. Just buy Turface and you'll get fired calcined clay, which is what does not clump and break down.