Substrate combination advice

[WiLPWR]

Hi all

Newbie to the max here for shrimp and proper planted tank.

Currently deciding on the following options for substrate on an AR-980:

(a)

Bottom: Smart Soil 3 bags (Approx 1.5cm)

Top: Black Gravel 4 bags (Approx 2-3cm)

Cost: Approx $200AUD

(b)

Bottom: Eco-Complete (Approx 1cm)

Top: CaribSea Tahitian Moon Sand 2 bags

(Approx 2cm)

Cost: Approx $130AUD

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3 bags of Amazonia (Approx 3cm)

Cost: Approx $150AUD

Aim of the tank is to be balanced with the focus on CRS, being quite planted and a few CRS friendly fish. Substrate to be preferably black to enhance colouring.

Question is should I bother with these brands or just go simply PFS and Flourite.

I know this is highly debatable and is going to be personal opinion, but I'm at a cross road here =)

[Loach]

I would go with the ADA amazonia purely for its buffering capabilities and surface area.

[Matt_95]

Since it isn't just a shrimp tank and you want nice plants I would recommend the first option for its ease, not much can go wrong if you're new. It also won't cause an ammonia spike if you mix it . Rather than black gravel, which can raise the ph, I would use zeolite, it absorbs ammonia and doesn't affect your PH, KH, or GH. It absorbs nutrients that the plants can access but won't let them back into the water column. It also has a huge surface area. Great filter media as well.

[khemo]

Aquasoil Amazonia is arguably the best planted tank soil you can buy. It has been proven again and again to be reliable and it works. Out of your options I would not even hesitate to get the amazonia especially considering the cheapest option is only a saving of $20. For me to consider the other options there needs to be a significant saving of atleast $50 or more.

[Dean]

if your leaning towards planted tank i would also say ADA is best option. and Bonus is i sell it :)

http://www.bossaquaria.com.au/brands/ADA-Aqua-Design-Amano.html

[WiLPWR]

Hi Dean

Thansk for all your advice. Will 3 bads of Amazonia New Aquasoil (9LT Normal) be sufficient for plants and especially CRS without requiring the powder on top?

If so what is the best pricing you can do on 3 bags delivered to 2042 and the approximate time it would take to deliver.

Cheers

Will

[Dean]

sent a pm mate :)

[WiLPWR]

Quick post to say thanks to Loach, Matt_95 & khemo for their advice.

A super special thanks to Dean!

-Paypal on Wednesday morning at 7:30am --> product arrived at my desk half an hour ago!!!

Amazingingly smooth and fast transaction, especially for an interstate delivery!

Even thought I will need to carry this 30kg box to the train station and then back home I am very excited that I will be able to setup the tank this weekend and hopefuly get some plants in there to start my 4-5 week cycle, API kit in hand =)

Cheers BossAquaria - awesome stuff