The Best Substrates for Aquascaping & Planted Aquariums

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#ThePlantedTank
#Aquascaping

[@angelicamorales8432]

Glad to see you’re back! I started w my betta tank a year ago and was watching your videos and realized you weren’t as active! Hope to see more videos here on out ✨

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Thank you! Yes I will be posting a ton here shortly. Waiting something nice in the mail! Super excited!

[@kdr1048]

Nice look 40 breeder. Dirted tanks for life here. It's as natural as can be and works well with my blackwater. Always use sand for cap and tons of leaf litter and botanicals. But i have used stratum it worked well for me too. I have capped with sand with good results. 👍 Happy New Year

[@AquaGardenZen]

Great video 👍 my go to is a 3-4inch layer of eco complete mixed with Fluval stratum and powder nutrients on the bottom

[@shawnartis2731]

Great video. Helped me make a final decision on my substrate. Thank you. Honestly though the music is distracting while you're talking.

[@Terroneruffiano]

What would you think about organic soil in a mesh bag, then topped with eco complete or fluval stratum? or is that overkill?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Definitely overkill. I would suggest not using a mesh bag. Dirt by itself and two inches of sand on top is all you need!

[@helloaldrian]

Pond soil is my go to. +sand capping

[@McAwesome363]

I've had very good success with using calcined clay (safe-t-sorb) with a thin layer of leonardite at the bottom. Most, if not all, aquasoils contain leonardite as the primary buffering agent. The combination of the high CEC calcined clay with the slow release humic substances from leonardite create ideal conditions for plants to grow. I also like to use a low-flow undergravel filter, with the substrate raised above the bottom of the tank to allow for oxygen exchange. Low flow being a couple of gallons/day moving through the substrate. Not only does this keep the undergravel filter from clogging, but it creates low oxygen anoxic conditions that support nitrate and phosphate consuming bacteria. Plant roots are also kept in pristine condition as they do not have to contend with anaerobic pockets in the substrate. The anoxic bacteria cultured in the substrate are capable of truly amazing things. Not only do they complete the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, but they will produce hydroxyl ions that will break down a huge variety of insults that enter the tank. Be it organic matter from decaying plants/animals, heavy metals, or even pharmaceuticals, they can all be broken down and metabolized by the anoxic bacteria. Algae's have a much harder time getting established due to the low nutrient water column, along with the high REDOX value from all the hydroxyl ions putting stress on unicellular organisms like algae.

[@davidhaag8160]

Great video and advice, handsome man!

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Thank you! and thank you! ❤❤

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Eco Complete by itself is inert unlike a true aquasoil. I have a difficult time getting plants to hold initially in Eco Complete. This isn’t the case when using Fluval Statum. It’s way easier to plant in. Stratum isn’t as loaded as say Amazonia, but it’s the only aquasoil I can purchase locally. NilocG Thrive and Aquarium CoOp Easy Green are my go to all-on-one fertilizers. I still add additional potassium for large Java ferns. I only use the Seachem Root Tabs and mostly when putting in young plants. Or trying to spread that carpeting plant.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I agree with everyting!!!

[@AquaLady153]

I used eco complete as a dirt cap

[@alexace5584]

@@ThePlantedTankTVwhat brand of aqua soil do you recommend?

[@bliss2death_lu]

Thank you bro for the info

[@rinasakurai8857]

What about just basic top soil from like home depot? I remember an older video of yours where you recommended just top soil capped off with sand. Do you think top soil with a few root tabs topped off with play sand for a nano shrimp tank (4 gallons) would work? I'm thinking of planting mostly dwarf hairgrass, S. Repens, and Anacharis.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I've actually had better results with top soil compared to potting mix. I much prefer using top soil over potting mix. A lot of people these days are actually combining top soil with organic compost. But that just seems a bit overkill. Topsoil capped is absolutely perfectly fine. I'm actually experimenting with a product called SafeTSorb made with 100% fullers earth which is clay that is kiln baked. It's mostly used for oil spills and thing of that nature but because it is so absorbant it has a higher CEC value then aquasoil. I have a video coming out on this here soon so long as the tank actually goes and grows well.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

What's your favorite substrate??? Don’t forget to hit that like button!!!

[@grreenbeans]

Dumb question but by dosing the water column with fertilizer, doesn’t it go into the substrate too?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Yes it absolutely does!

[@daves7104]

I've had various tanks set up with various aquasoils and theyve lasted years. I'm talking 8+ years. Sometimes ill top up some extra soil but mostly it just sits there doind its thing. Plants grow well and propergate even without co2. Probably the best one ive had is ada soil/substrate system.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I agree ADA is 100% the best in the business but I've had nothing but success with fluval stratum also. Really love that stuff. UNS Controsoil is pretty mediocre in my opinion.

[@daves7104]

@@ThePlantedTankTV yea ive used various soils that have worked well too.. even some of the mid price ones. However, I just bought a bag of Tropica for a new tank set up. Have you tried it? It's nice and dark almost black but it feels very soft and hoping it's doesn't just crumble over time

[@matthewbishop8743]

I find a 'mixture' or layering different subtrates always works best and lasts the longest.

[@chevyfish4028]

Good stuff. I use many substrates and also employ bare tanks, depending on the stock. Eco complete is for my main planted tanks. I use aquasoil/fluval stratem in clay pots or dishes so my plants can easily be moved about.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Nice! I’ve seen that done before for sure!!!

[@gauravmohanvartak3549]

Hello, I got one issue, need advice. I got a small tank with goldfish in it. That's one thing, now I bought a new home theater system. Where its sub woofer is placed right beside my tank that's not out of option....wanted to know will that affect my fish health in any way??? Like even when we tap a glass fish move like they are scared, here we are talking about subwoofer sound, so wanted to know.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Hey Jake , A great video !! The 1st substrate I started with was Eco & your knowledge of how to get the best results from it really is the truth and thankfully you reminded me as I have a tendency to forget more than I'd like to admit 🗿 Had the same issues with Eco not always receiving the plants but once I mixed in some Seachem Flourite Black sand it was instantly the feel I expected ~but as a beginner in this hobby some times plants can be more difficult no matter how many times you try and that's funny how you say uprooted plants in a dirted tank has really been a factor in your past , same with Cory & Bentley too . 🦧I have never created a shit storm in my 2 years of growing in soil.🤔 The only reason I can guess that you are going to fast etc. ? Nonetheless you have some Incredible results and the Playlist to agree if I were you it's aqua soil fortified w Niloc G ☘️🌱🍃🍁

[@VanNguyen-ns6ck]

As a beginner I like the idea of an inert substrate that will not affect the water parameters and can last a lifetime (thoroughly cleaned if restarting a tank), so Eco-Complete sounds really nice and being fairly black it goes well with most aquascapes. But I've read it's difficult to keep plants rooted with Eco-Complete and the substrate is a bit sharp for bottom dwellers or longfin fish like Betta resting on the substrate, is this true? My second option would be to go with 2-4mm New Zealand Midnight Gravel, because it's also inert like Eco-Compete but it's heavier (so easier to root plants in) and smooth (so it does not hurt bottom dwelling fish). I think CaribSea's Peace River also works too being 1-2mm gravel size, but I don't really like the reddish brown coloured substrates, I'd rather stick to very dark grey like Eco-Complete or semi-light grey like New Zealand Midnight Gravel.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Eco complete is just fine for bottom dwellers. Cory catfish actually have a very sharp substrate in their natural habitat so no need to worry there. As for rooting plants and planting. I don't know why people say it's hard to keep plants in. I had zero issues with it in the past with keeping plants down. If you want the perfect inert substrate look into a product called SafeTSorb 100% fillers earth. It's a baked clay that has a much higher CEC value than any other substrate sold for aquariums and it's 100% natural and safe for aquariums. I buy the 33lb bags from tractor supply for 9$. You can not beat it. I'm using it right now in my 20H with great success. 💚🙏

[@providedjoker2649]

Quick question ….I already have a small 10 gallon shrimp tank that’s dirtied with a sand cap….can I just throw the aqua soil on top of that? 🤔🤔

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I definitely would not do that. Haha. Aquasoil is best used on its own. 🙏💚

[@ninasuculentasymas]

Hello from Puerto Rico!! First timer on your channel and just subscribed!! My channel is in spanish but can be captioned. Have a planted aquarium. Is fluval spagnum some type of aqua soil?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Yes it is aquasoil. And it is amaaaazzziinng!!!!

[@ninasuculentasymas]

@@ThePlantedTankTV I meant stratum. Thx

[@eldridgehenry2]

GOOD INFO

[@calingoff2380]

i have the same substrat, but in my 30L aquarium, first all my plats floated ! 2ndly, the water is BROWN, and it becames brown when i TOUCH THE SUBSTRAT for plant, or equalize !! what do i doo ???

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

If all of your plants floated. That means you didn't make it deep enough. Stop moving plants so often leave them be and whatch them grow. You should whatch my beginners videos!!!!!

[@Blinco440]

What about mixing Aqua Soil with Eco Complete and then capping it off with Eco Complete? Would that be a good idea?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I’ve gotten that question a million times. Both are best used own their own! 😅

[@Jay-vf8vc]

What does cap-ing mean ? I am curious if I can place some aqau soil at the bottom of the substrate and place my plants in with root tabs then add a layer of sandy gravel on top?

[@denisgonzalezblandon1538]

Yes that's how you do it, either sand on top of gravel, or you can even do 3 layers, aquasoil , sand then gravel

[@Aquaman-wy3mg]

May I please have the information for the light suspension system?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I went into detail about this in my last video

[@juli8vdberg562]

Have I made a mistake with a small 5g tank and amazonia soil as only substrate for my anubias plants?

[@legionaquatics]

I want to set up a 40 breeder with lots of heavy root feeders like swords, crypts, bulb plants, val and dwarf sag also couple types of stems. I personally don't like the look of aqua soil and prefer a fine gravel could I cap aquasoil with gravel? how long would the aquasoil last with heavy root feeders? id like to keep the tank going for a long time. Also will fertilizers help keep the aquasoil nutrient rich or should I add somthing else? p.s glad your making videos again! I really like your style of aquascapes :)

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

You can totally use gravel as a cap! Aquasoul will last a long time but i would def buy root tabs you'll need them... lol

[@legionaquatics]

@@ThePlantedTankTV thanks man! one more thing, I have access to a couple different brands of aquasoil which one would you recommend for this situation or which one have you had the most success with? I can get ada, fluval, tropica or aquario.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

@@legionaquatics I've always heard great things about the tropica brand but have never been able to get my hands on their products. I've always used fluval stratum. But the ADA Amazonia V2 is def the best out of that group. Amazonia even comes with a bag of root tabs which will be hugely helpful for you. But make sure it's the version 2 no the original. The orginal cause a massive ammonia spike and the version 2 does as well but not near as bad.

[@friendlysalamander]

I'm planning a new tank now, and I see you've favored Fluval Stratum in the past. Is that no longer a favorite? Why?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

ADA Soil is my favorite substrate right now if I could afford it. So I've used nothing but Fluval Stratum. Probably the past 5 years or so now.

[@pelhamsaquatics]

hello im what youd call an old dog in the aquarium hobby, but fairly new to live plants🙂 this , video is very helpful as i was about to build a walstad method tank on my channel. like#248 and new sub here👍

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

[@csfilms2572]

hello dude, can we mix aqua soil ? like Fluval Stratum and Tropica soil together ? :) thanks

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Of course!! ✌️

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Awesome

[@dirtywhitellama]

It would be more helpful if you mentioned a specific brand or two of aqua soil. It's a category, not a specific product, and not all entries in the category are the same.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I’ve used all of them but the tropica brand. Had similar results with them all. So to me they are all the same. The only brand I have ever had an issue with is ADA Amazonia and that’s because I tried it as a complete beginner and that stuff is not for beginners. All of the other brands are the same. Most people even believe they are all made by the same manufacturer…

[@bradb3245]

So what is aquasoil? some sort of rock that leeches stuff into the water? artificial porous stuff that has some chemicals implanted? why should I pay a bunch of money if it's just porous rock?

[@andrescott2794]

Wen I set up my 5g tank i put root table in my tank with planes rock that I got from the pets store and some 1 told me that all you need dut wen start looking at your KZbin videos and send how your plants grow i see Different

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

🙏🙏👌👌

[@softaco3088]

some of the best planted tanks I've ever had where garden soil topped with sand. Aquasoil is good, but nothing beats how cheap soil is.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I 100% agree! I’m thinking making my next planted tank using dirt instead.

[@andresgutierrez6522]

Eee my boy I haven’t seen a video in a while.

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Yo!! 🙏

[@gk9417]

Don’t you have to cap that substrate with sand ✌️🇨🇦

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

The only substrate that requires a cap is dirt. Aqua soil doesn't require a cap but you can cap it if you want. But I prefer not to for a for few reasons.

[@gk9417]

@@ThePlantedTankTVthanks sorry for the late reply Still trying to decide what to use for my new 55 gallon with out breaking the bank I don’t want to use mud 🙏 thanks again 👍✌️🇨🇦

[@johnjrkean7008]

Have u ever used aqua soil?!?!??!

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

🤣🤣 let see if we get any replies!

[@johnjrkean7008]

@@ThePlantedTankTV iam waiting lol

[@helloaldrian]

I don't think he is ever use one. you can watch this guy instead, He usually use aquasoil: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaW5ZGuLj6mshJo

[@babs3483]

He litterally said that he favors aqua soil right now. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@johnjrkean7008]

Lmfaoo

[@emanuellgustea122]

Ok, but your video is super quiet

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Yeah i realized that right after I posted it. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😂

[@AquaLady153]

Had to set up a new dirted tank because my trimmings are just outrageous.