Hey all,
So, I'm currently researching and planning my first aquascape tank and up to now just have the tank, the driftwood and some rocks (will be having more rocks), but researching substrate is proving to be rather complex - at least it feels as such.
MA recommend Fluval Stratum (which they sell), another LFS recommends the aqua soil they sell, Amazon has far cheaper stuff (might not be like for like - Tetra Active Substrate), and even here, there's a thread on a cheaper substrate, Akadama.
I'm thinking of perhaps mixing a small bag of Stratum, some Akadama, and a bag of Tetra Active Substrate, throwing it into media bags and capping it with 4-6mm black pebbles.
I have done some light reading (yet potentially not enough understanding) and it seems like the CEC of Akadama is decent, the nutrients from Stratum would be good, and honestly, Tetra is just cheaper to pack it out some.
Would mixing have a negative effect at all?
It's my first planted/scaped tank, so it's proving to be a little overwhelming with so many options. An "Aquascaped Tank for Dummies" book would be awesome!
So, I'm currently researching and planning my first aquascape tank and up to now just have the tank, the driftwood and some rocks (will be having more rocks), but researching substrate is proving to be rather complex - at least it feels as such.
MA recommend Fluval Stratum (which they sell), another LFS recommends the aqua soil they sell, Amazon has far cheaper stuff (might not be like for like - Tetra Active Substrate), and even here, there's a thread on a cheaper substrate, Akadama.
I'm thinking of perhaps mixing a small bag of Stratum, some Akadama, and a bag of Tetra Active Substrate, throwing it into media bags and capping it with 4-6mm black pebbles.
I have done some light reading (yet potentially not enough understanding) and it seems like the CEC of Akadama is decent, the nutrients from Stratum would be good, and honestly, Tetra is just cheaper to pack it out some.
Would mixing have a negative effect at all?
It's my first planted/scaped tank, so it's proving to be a little overwhelming with so many options. An "Aquascaped Tank for Dummies" book would be awesome!