Top 5 Substrates for Planted Tanks and 1 you should avoid

Walk through the pros and cons of Carib Sea Eco- complete, regular gravel, ADA Amazonia version II, Fluval Stratum and sand. My recommendations for substrate if you are a beginner to planted tanks versus more patient/experienced hobbyist.

[supratimbasu]

This is one of the most honest reviews 👌👌 I have seen out of my 1000+ hours of watching aquascape videos. Real facts have been explained here and not just the basic principle of using Aqua Gravel + Amazonia V2 + Power Sand for every setup.

[tHojthOp]

This is one expensive video, deserve more appreciation.

[ArchangelHornet]

Fluval stratum in my experience doesnt leach ammonia, if anything its so little that my tests doesnt show it.

[Yosh-doesnt-understand]

Setting up a tank with aquasoil if you can get filter media from another tank it will definitely speed up your cycle process

[casiewettig]

I used stratum with a fish in cycle, plants, and used prime and stability, within three weeks I’m at 0/0/0ppm readings on my test kit. Which is weird because I’ve heard that substrate causes a ammonia spike but it was never an issue for me

[theviolentone]

Fluval /akadama- best for shrimps
Ada- overated soil

[Julian-vwpy]

My corydora catfish did end up losing their barbs with the eco complete sadly, will be moving them to sand soon. Other than that, it was GREAT for my plants!

[oriondragos]

I'm wondering if I could use Fluval Stratum as a base and gravel on top to help prevent to much stirring of the lighter Stratum.

[mikeb]

Eco Complete may definitely raise your pH, and this is know from the manufacturer. Depends on the batch you get. Mine jumped from 7.2 at the tap, measuring 8.2 in the tank

[kunwarnainsingh]

Awesome video! Really clears things up!

[mrstea]

My tap is at 7 and eco complete raised it to 7.6 max. Doesn't give me issues though. I also have seryiu stone and I heard that might raise it a little bit also. So I don't know how much eco actually raised it.

[plantedtankz]

I loved stratum until just months after having it its turned into powder and it's a filthy mess. Trying UNS and Tropica now.

[TryNaturalAquariam]

How much water change will I be doing if I use gravels instead of sand and which one will be easier? Let’s say I don’t know anything and I got 2 fish tank 2 bags of sand and 2 bags of gravels and ofc I do over feeding my fish now I’m in brink of getting blue green algae which is not algae and it stink and now I need to do least 50% water change will sand will be easy to use vacuum and try get that fish waste less work for me or going through gravels inch by inch will be easier?

[stardust]

fluval stratum is very light. every time i plant, it will float up. i don't have much budget to increase the thickness of fluval soil. can i put thin layer of small gravel (5mm) on top of the soil?

[duber]

I know this is an old video so I doubt this will be seen but I have a question. Would 60 pounds of eco complete with. Root tabs under out 3/4" of sand be good?

[yajstylez]

People keep saying eco complete is inert but cribsea lists eco complete as basaltic volcanic soil. So how is it inert?

[janpaguio]

Hi, when first setting up a planted tank do I have to condition the water every time since the first few weeks require a lot of water changes or is it okay without it? This is before introducing fish obviously, thanks.

[yowshiii]

i wish i had found this like a month ago lol, made so many mistakes im still trying to fix

[human]

so... if i only have gravel but want to add fluval stratum... and 8 fish... I can't... ? or can i add it slowly over time?

[angelridgedesignz]

The back of 'eco complete" whish reads on bag as eco planted says on the back that it raises ph.