Substrate type

[bclee]

I am planning to covert my substrate of my 2-footer to Seachem Flourite. I have asked and it cost $48 per 7kg bag. I will probably use 1 bag (about 2") and add some gravel at the bottom to get the substrate depth I required.

I would like to ask you guys for advice on what substrate you are using and how much it cost.

Thanks.


BC

[loupgarou]

seachem flourite can still work effective at a 50/50 ratio so consider that..

you mean to say aquamart got stock? I would like to try..heh

[bclee]

I called Aquamart this morning. They said yes.

BC

[Alfa Low]

I am using Nisso Volca Sand (Similar to ADA Malayan Aquasoil), good for demanding plant. You can find it at Farmart.

[DEA]

are you intending to use any fertiliser at all?

ime it's better to have a lot of base fert and less substrate
the substrate itself actually doesn't make much difference imo
i've seen plants do well in anything from soil, black gravel, volcanic gravel, ADA gravel, dennerle gravel to lonestar gravel
so if you're using the flourite for aesthetic purposes i think you just need enough to cover the fert with about 1 in of gravel

i'm using this brandless black colour gravel, got it from happy aq., about 50 for 28 kgs iirc

[loupgarou]

well seachem claims no need basefert with flourite.

[Simon]

chris, u mean like ADA gravel?

[bclee]

There is no need to use base fert with Flourite. That's the reason I wanted to try it.

Quote from Seachem: "Flourite™ is a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium. Although it may be mixed with other gravels, Flourite™ is best used as an integral substrate bed. Any mixture should be at least half Flourite™. Gravel modifiers such as laterite are not necessary."

I have the tendency to replant very often. Having base fert is a problem for me especially for plants with big roots.

BTW, how much does the Nisso Volca Sand cost. Any base fert needed?

BC

[Alfa Low]

Nisso Volca Sand is about S$40 plus for 8 kg at Farmart if i am not wrong. It doesn't need base fert as well. It even claimed that no need to change water for 6 months if your planted tank have reasonable bio-load.

[DEA]

what's the grain size for both?
this is making me gian

[bclee]

I don't know about the grain size of Flourite. From the response in the APD, it was almost unanimous about the positive results from using Flourite. The only complaint was the appearance. But to me it looked ok.

The other alternative is Onyx sand. The grain size is about 1-4mm.

You can check out the www.seachem.com]Seachem website[/url].

BC

[stream]

Er. Can I ask a stupid question?

Since Flourite is expensive and I want to mix it with Lonestar gravel in a 4ft tank, should I put flourite as base and cover it with gravel or the other way round.

BTW, where else can I buy Seachem Flourite besides Aquamart in Singapore?

Thanks for enlightment.

[DEA]

so
since you've eyeballed the thing
how big do you think they are?
the grains, that is

[bclee]

Not too much difference from the typical gravel for planted tank. Maybe 2-5mm.

BC

[loupgarou]

mix the flourite with 50% lonestar thoroughly..

aquamart is the sole distributor for seachem..

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