New substrate suggestions please

[langer!]

Hi everyone, looking at rescaping my tank, looking for substrate suggestions.
I currently have discus, corys, cardinals, ottos and a bn pleco,

Been looking for substrate for a while and can't make a decision, I have a bit of a list of requirements that I want to meet. As you guys know your stuff I was wondering if you could make a few far better informed suggestions than I would ever be able to think of. My list is as follows (in no order)


Lower ph/kh or at worst not affect it at all (not raise at all due to discus)
Look natural (going for a South American biotope)
Be safe for corys
Preferably a complete substrate, don't really want to layer (am open to doing this though)
Not cost the earth

Any suggestions will be welcomed. Thanks guys

 

[Mark D]

Maybe EBI Gold?

I use it in my shrimp tank and it keeps PH and GH down

 

[langer!]

Hi mark, thanks for your reply, looks like good stuff but unfortunately will cost too much to put in my tank, I estimate ill need about 3-4 bags

 

[Mark D]

Yea it is pricy.

My big tank is Tropcia plant substrate with a gravel layer on top, works out cheaper and does not affect PH and Kh noticeably.

Means layering, but its a cost vs time argument

 

[Tim Harrison]

Try this link http://www.ukaps.org/index.php?page=guide-to-substrates I personally prefer Colombo Flora Base, or ADA Aqua Soil. I think the latter is the cheaper. It's tried and tested so we know it works very well, and it lowers pH. It's available from our sponsors https://www.aquasabi.com/aquascaping/substrate/soil/ada-aqua-soil-amazonia - it works out cheaper than EBI.
The cheapest option would be to layer - to use a peat or a peat based aquatic soil under sand or gravel, that also works very well...there is a how too guide in the tutorials section.

 

[tigertim]

just go for silver sand/playsand...£5 bag at b n q type stores....whenever anyone sees my set up the first thing they nearly all say is "they like the sand "
very natural and ideal for south american fish like corydoras...

 

[tigertim]

oh yes and wont raise ph or hardness either