Cloudy Water Due to Substrate

[blackjack0512]

Hi All.

I have a 4 feet planted tank set up for 2 year plus using Gex substrate.....Now the substrate keep disintegrating and the water look cloudy. Any recommendations on substrate that will last longer? I am thinking of revamping the whole 4 feet tank.....Will sand be a better choice? And which brand of sand to use?

Thanks for the advise in advance

[elwaynetan]

Hey bro,

Personally, I will recommend ADA although the packs can get a little pricey. But however, in the long run, ADA's Aquasoil can give you the satisfaction.

But of course, coming back to disintegrating soil, reasons may include soil becoming anaerobic. Not sure if you have done anything to the substrate bottom to prevent that. Perhaps more info of your tank may reveal the real reasons!

[thebaldingaquarist]

the older generation of Gex substrates all breakdown.
i have some experience with them. I rescaped my tank because of the substrate.

there are 2 options i see..
1. pour a layer of sand on top.
2. rescape with better soil.

better soil here can be regularly fertilized lapis sand, or soils like ADA or dennerle or JBL. My personal preference for large tanks is
1. Contro (i don't think its still in the market..)
2. JBL
3. ADA 2nd gen Amazonia
4. dennerle (maybe typo)