Calaqua black earth, pros and cons between normal or powder.???

[doctr-dan]

Hi guys

I'm planning on using this sub off my next tank or two and was wondering what are the pros and cons between using the normal or the powder version?

What makes you choose one over the other or a combination of the two.

Thanks

[shrimpstan]

Personally I bought the normal grain assuming it may take longer to break down than the powder. Dont know if its the case but that was my reasoning. Very good soil btw :)

[doctr-dan]

I wanted use it in a 30cm cube iguwami scape so I was hoping to get some pointers for that really

[BristledOne]

I've only used the normal myself, found the grain size to be fairly small anyway and just like Stan I wanted to make sure it takes longer to turn to dust.

Only just finished cycling the tank so I cant provide much of a review, but I feel comfortable at this stage to say that I'd buy it again

[jayc]

Your choice of using either normal or powder should be determined on the type of scape and plants you want to use.

Generally, powder is better for small/foreground plants like glosso, HC, etc which hold on to the substrate better if it was finer.

Try to work with these small plants using normal grain substrate and you will find the plants floating away and not anchoring to the substrate like it should.

The finer grain of powder could be used to create a certain aquascape that larger grained substrates might not achieve.