Hi Folks,
In my line of work, I often needed to produce a specification that listed all the features, attributes, parameters, etc. when procuring/purchasing a new product. I learned how important it was to be clear in my mind exactly what was required to meet the needs of the task in hand. So, I still adopt that mindset when making new purchases. But I don't go overboard when buying a new shirt, for example!
With the above in mind, I started to work through the 60 pages of substrate threads here on UKAPS. But, then, I realized that I didn't really know what was required of a substrate. Here's a few that come to mind:
[1] Something that anchors plants (roots) in place.
[2] Should have a high cation exchange capacity (CEC).
[3] What nutrients should it provide, if any?
[4] Does it need to have an open structure to allow for aeration?
[5] Should it contain organic material, e.g. humic substances (HS) or be inert?
[6] For how long will it release any ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, etc. into the water column?
[7] How many layers of different materials can I accommodate or is one layer sufficient?
[8] Must not be abrasive to bottom-dwelling fish, e.g. Corydoras
[9] Must not need changing for at least five years.
[10] What colour(s) should it be?
[11] How much am I prepared to pay?
[12] How easy will it be to vacuum the surface of the substrate?
Please feel free to add to this list. Then, comes the tricky bit - deciding on suitable products. All suggestions welcome!
JPC
In my line of work, I often needed to produce a specification that listed all the features, attributes, parameters, etc. when procuring/purchasing a new product. I learned how important it was to be clear in my mind exactly what was required to meet the needs of the task in hand. So, I still adopt that mindset when making new purchases. But I don't go overboard when buying a new shirt, for example!
With the above in mind, I started to work through the 60 pages of substrate threads here on UKAPS. But, then, I realized that I didn't really know what was required of a substrate. Here's a few that come to mind:
[1] Something that anchors plants (roots) in place.
[2] Should have a high cation exchange capacity (CEC).
[3] What nutrients should it provide, if any?
[4] Does it need to have an open structure to allow for aeration?
[5] Should it contain organic material, e.g. humic substances (HS) or be inert?
[6] For how long will it release any ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, etc. into the water column?
[7] How many layers of different materials can I accommodate or is one layer sufficient?
[8] Must not be abrasive to bottom-dwelling fish, e.g. Corydoras
[9] Must not need changing for at least five years.
[10] What colour(s) should it be?
[11] How much am I prepared to pay?
[12] How easy will it be to vacuum the surface of the substrate?
Please feel free to add to this list. Then, comes the tricky bit - deciding on suitable products. All suggestions welcome!
JPC