Flourite, EcoComplete Feedback - Page 2 - Substrates

Godswill · 11-10-2011, 02:46 PM

I've just started planting my tank and your posts are a big help. Thanks for the advice.

Rana · 11-11-2011, 01:34 AM

I have been using Flourite black for last one and half year. It is no better than ordinary inert gravel in the initial stage. Since CEC of Flourite is better than neutral gravel, over a period of time this substrate will mature and become better in performance.

Another issue of Flourite is the shape of individual particles is rough and not suitable for soft belly fishes like corys.

However, Flourite in no way near to the performance of modern soil based products like Aquasoil, Controsoil etc.

Regards
Rana

wkndracer · 11-11-2011, 06:36 PM

Modern soil based products chase the results provided by plain old dirt. Add clay or a few additives if you like, cap the natural soil materials then flood the tank and start marking off months on a calendar. Once the calendar ends in December get another one and start over with a new pen.

The issues with Cory, Loaches and other fish kept over Flourite is more dirty surface related.Barbel erosion caused by bacteria not the substrate profile in 99% of all reports made on the topic.

Jsthomas · 01-19-2012, 08:26 AM

I had problems with nerites where, they kept trying to grab onto the little chunks and would flip over. This eventually ( I believe) led to their death. Referring to Seachem. I also use floramax, which is similar, but smaller pieces, I actually like it alot, and its less dirty IMO

xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx · 01-20-2012, 07:39 PM

I've used both eco-complete and flourite substrates, in my personal opinion I think flourite has served me better over the years. I've also had great success with floramax, which is currently in the 18 gallon tank.

But my first ever planted tank was done with first layer pure laterite mixed in with gravel, and that was a pretty easy set up to manage. Whereas now I'm going with pure natural top soil enriched with FLPL (first layer pure laterite), and black flourite, capping it on to my dry ferts (iron chelate, dolomite Ca & Ma, and Potash), with the final capping layer of PFS.

Left C · 01-21-2012, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niko

Both of those products amount to inert gravel. Eco being a little better because it's more porous.

Fluorite holds together just fine for 10 years. It will not fall apart. And it will not do anything that an inert gravel can't do to help your plants grow.

What you see in plant growth is not due to any magic characteristic of these 2 substrates. Any substrate becomes "live" at some point - even if you use finely crushed glass. Proper flow of water through the substrate, temperature, and gas/food exchange between waste/microorganisms/plant roots is what makes a substrate better or worst.

For now you cannot beat AquaSoil which helps you from day 1. But you can achieve the same results with patience and common sense using anything else - including Fluorite and Eco.

--Nikolay

+1

I've used both Flourite and E-C over the years, but they do not even compare to Amazonia AquaSoil. My plants grow great in this substrate. Another great thing about my Amazonia tank is that there is basically no algae.

Left C

Jsthomas · 01-21-2012, 01:38 PM

Does Amazonia ever deplete and need to be replaced?

Left C · 01-25-2012, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsthomas

Does Amazonia ever deplete and need to be replaced?

I do not know the answer to this question because the new Amazonia that is out now hasn't been out long enough to know if it needs replacement or how long that it lasts. It uses different materials and a different manufacturing process than the other Amazonia products. It's description does say: "Granules maintain their shape for a long period in water, holding air between them, which is vital for the long time maintenance of a planted aquarium."

new Amazonia product description: http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=680

greenman · 02-18-2012, 09:36 AM

Haven't used other products as I have only one tank. My current tank is 7+ years old and the E-C is holding up excellent. Can't compare growth against other substrates, but I can say that I have been satisfied over the years. My tanks is high tech with ferts. E-C has not broken down. Looks identical to when I first opened the bag. Unfortunately, my tank is entirely root bound now, so I guess I get to start over. would consider using E-C again.

wwh2694 · 02-18-2012, 10:59 AM

Im using both EC and flourite. They are both great its just the look preference. Anyways EC looks natural than flourite and EC is lighter when you plant. The only problem in setting up EC in new tank i had different kinds of algea growing in the first few weeks but i didnt have that problem with fourite.