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.
@GodEye-962 жыл бұрын
This is one expensive video, deserve more appreciation.
@ArchangelHornet Жыл бұрын
Fluval stratum in my experience doesnt leach ammonia, if anything its so little that my tests doesnt show it.
@Yosh-doesnt-understand Жыл бұрын
Setting up a tank with aquasoil if you can get filter media from another tank it will definitely speed up your cycle process
@casiewettig833 жыл бұрын
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
@alisonorigel5733 жыл бұрын
I always used fish in cycle with stratum also. Never a problem. I always use filter media from my other tanks which speeds things along fast.
@BigShrimpin4162 жыл бұрын
Not all substrates leach ammonia
@Howitzer092 жыл бұрын
Fluval doesn’t leach. Negative point is that it doesn’t have plant feeding.
@wakingforbacon6439 Жыл бұрын
@@Howitzer09global stratum does have plant feeding. It is full of nutrients like Ada aqua soil. Amazonia and fluval is almost the exact same thing.
@duber35594 ай бұрын
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?
@Julian-vw6py3 жыл бұрын
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!
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
Capping commercial nutrient based substrates with 2" of sand works wonderfully.
@Julian-vw6py3 жыл бұрын
@@FatherFish it does! Had my second tank set up like that with no troubles
@mrstea18133 жыл бұрын
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.
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
Hard to say. Cap the eco complete with 2" of sand to stop eco nutrients from entering the water column.
@dgfll2 жыл бұрын
Seiryu stone actually raises pH quite a bit if it wasn't acid washed so that might be what happened :o
@oriondragos58763 жыл бұрын
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.
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
SAND on top, not gravel. 2"
@Nanoscape303 жыл бұрын
@@FatherFish merry 🎄 father fish
@jaydenrussell74912 жыл бұрын
@@FatherFish sand will go to the base since finer you have cap with a substrate than bulkier
@FatherFish2 жыл бұрын
@@jaydenrussell7491 Only if the substrate is disturbed. If you will not mix it up sand will stay on top even if very fine. I know. I do it always
@coryalexander68422 жыл бұрын
I'm doing that in a few days probably. If I don't change my mind and just use dirt
@human47134 Жыл бұрын
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?
@plantedtankz89883 жыл бұрын
I loved stratum until just months after having it its turned into powder and it's a filthy mess. Trying UNS and Tropica now.
@sasfishadventures9729 Жыл бұрын
Howd it go?
@kunwarnainsingh43883 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Really clears things up!
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching and so glad you liked it!
@elgezouliabdul49732 жыл бұрын
HI thanks for your vedio I have a question please I am going to plant a 300 L aquarium 120×50×50 I want to do easy to medium planting ( heavy plant) I have on hand now inleart substrate is called dennerle depo mix 10 in 1 And I have gravel . I am thinking to buy 1 active soil ADA mix it with the 10 in 1 substrate and on to I will put some gravel Is that ok about ammonia I do have filters and will deal with it. Thanks
@stardust90722 жыл бұрын
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?
@denisgonzalezblandon1538 Жыл бұрын
Yes u can, I also don't like how stratum with no cap and gets my water black
@yajstylez2 жыл бұрын
People keep saying eco complete is inert but cribsea lists eco complete as basaltic volcanic soil. So how is it inert?
@red_hobbit33233 жыл бұрын
Have you heard of or tried the dark start method of tank cycling? What are your thoughts on it?
@Christian-sr6pd3 жыл бұрын
If your goal is to grow plants than you would ideally plant them and let them benefit from the ammonia releasing stage so light would be necessary. So the dark start method mainly depends on your goals and vision for the tank
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
I have never done a dark start, primarily because I use plants from day 1.
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
I think it's extremely useful when avoiding any initial nutrient surge ! Why make it any harder than it has to be ? 🤷🏼♂️ Do a water change and add the plants when the smoke clears. 😉
@angelridgedesignz85462 жыл бұрын
The back of 'eco complete" whish reads on bag as eco planted says on the back that it raises ph.
@SimpleTanks2 жыл бұрын
You ever use crushed coral as a base for the soils to bring the ph up naturally?.
@TryNaturalAquariam6 ай бұрын
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?
@janpaguio47673 жыл бұрын
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.
@theviolentone3 жыл бұрын
Fluval /akadama- best for shrimps Ada- overated soil
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
It may sadly be overrated, but it IS Very Good soil that lasts a long time. 😉 But yeah... It's expensive! 😳
@NutamagoАй бұрын
it's not overrated if it's good for plants you mutt
@kristiereed1403 Жыл бұрын
Can you mix some of the substrates instead of just layering then add a cap on top?
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
Probably ? 🤔 Some of it's going to mix together over time anyway. 😉
@SpicyYams3 жыл бұрын
Do you think the aqua soils like fluval stratum is bad for loaches and bottom dwellers that might break the soil?
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
Never had a single problem in over 20 years. 🤷🏼♂️
@siddharthtm37443 жыл бұрын
I want to use a mix of fluval and gravel. My ph of tap water is about 7.5 Will it be suitable for guppies & cherry shrimp
@Staggo_L Жыл бұрын
Very good information. Thanks.
@dorianf14562 жыл бұрын
Amazonia is hell expensive, especially for someone doing a larger tank. What's you opinion of doing amazonia as a base layer and black flourite on top?
@omardsm23232 жыл бұрын
Root tabs
@mikeyeung74122 жыл бұрын
You can put crushed lava stones in mesh aquarium bags as a base layer and then pour Amazonia or whatever on top
@omardsm23232 жыл бұрын
@@mikeyeung7412 it also helps with biological bacteria alot good response
@GodEye-962 жыл бұрын
Indonesian mini pumice works great too, it's heavier than washed pumice so most of it will sink, it's lighter and softer than lava rocks so the plants would be more happy, and it's generally a better filter media than lava rock.
@goodvishnu2 жыл бұрын
I'm doing a mix of crushed lava rocks with a kilo of ada powesand under it, spead evenly. Best both both worlds. Ha ha
@mrtrella837 ай бұрын
Is this better with dirty under the fluval???
@mikeb62943 жыл бұрын
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
@wayneabel54213 жыл бұрын
Yeap
@AquariumAficionado2 жыл бұрын
Me too even water changes with ro water didn’t effect it had to reset my whole tank with some sand on bottom and samurai soil on top
@AquariumAficionado2 жыл бұрын
Within a couple hours the samurai soil dropped ph to 8.0 in the tank Had to acclimate the fish like if it was a new tank it amazed me with how fast it buffered .2 PH when even a 7.2 ph water change wouldn’t effect it
@bishopruger2 жыл бұрын
What about going with plain o'l soil, like a bag of organic soil from Walmart?
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
That's a bit of a stretch, but you should be able to find Pond Soil at your local garden center rather inexpensively. 😉👍 A bit of sand and gravel on top and Y'er good to go.
@yowshiii33 жыл бұрын
i wish i had found this like a month ago lol, made so many mistakes im still trying to fix
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
Well thanks so much for watching, and I wish you the best of luck - it’s all good experiences and learning!
@AquariumAficionado2 жыл бұрын
Me too bro haha me too
@fritznetic43442 жыл бұрын
Hi! I already have some substrate- white sand (sansibar), and 2kgs of aquarium gravel (I'm planning on having a low light low tech tank. It's 16 gallons / 65 litres). Can I plant some low-light plants directly in the sand? There isn't enough gravel to cover the tank. Thank you!
@naomiwaters2 жыл бұрын
Yes, you can plant into the sand for sure. Depending on the plants, you might need root tabs. Anubias do better attached to wood, and crypts would need root tabs.
@LK-7503 жыл бұрын
It is okay if i make a fluval soil as a base layer and amazonia 2 on top.!! Are they not good option for my tank..?
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
Should work fine ! 😉👍
@deanleech17593 жыл бұрын
What's the best on to put under unipac sand what won't really mess up my ph was look at tropica substrate
@axistorr2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this info!
@stevegee80102 ай бұрын
Using course sand is no problem. Filter sand for example. Just avoid builder's sand, play sand, sand from a beach, etc. And good old natural soil should have a place in the top 5 for planted tanks - it's going to be way better than that gravel.
@someguy48442 жыл бұрын
Helpful, thank you.
@sokey702 жыл бұрын
Which one should be avoided?
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
Eco Complete... 😝
@dfg297lpopdirk Жыл бұрын
followed just to listen to your voice. but a very good vid learnt a lot
@j.gotsnkrs3 жыл бұрын
Is controsoil good?
@Sean3D2Y3 жыл бұрын
My ph is around 7.8 and water is hard around like 8. Planning to use 2 17lb bags of Stratum as a base layer with sand on top. A 125 Gallon Tank. Housing Bichirs and Angel's. How strongly does it affect the ph?
@John_Williams4213 жыл бұрын
It will lower it neutral to 6.8. Should be perfect for the ph you have. My tap ph is 8 so the stratum brings it down to around 7
@Sean3D2Y3 жыл бұрын
@@John_Williams421 decided against using it. Since it needs to be replaced after about 2 year's. Taking down my 125 just to do that would be something 😬
@Jennie_Tsiokana3 жыл бұрын
So if I put half eco planted and half fluval, my ph will be ok?
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
Just from my experience, my pH hasn’t changed with ecocomplete, but there are several folks who have. Fluval stratum will lower your pH, it’s intended to do that. My advice is to simulate your tank, by putting half/half at similar depth as you would put in your tank into a bucket of water, run an air stone and testing what happens. It will save you a lot of heartbreak in the future if things don’t work out the way you want them to be.
@Jennie_Tsiokana3 жыл бұрын
@@naomiwaters thank you so much I will follow your advice ❤❤❤🇬🇷
@chrismcnair66463 жыл бұрын
Great info, thanks!
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Chris
@the_DOS Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!!
@AtomiK-XIX-Bit3 жыл бұрын
Floval stratum dropped my ph to 5.5 for some reason
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
Yes, it’s supposed to lower your pH, but obviously depends what you are starting with. Hopefully it didn’t drop your pH too much than what you expected. What is the pH of your tap water?
@Noname-lv3zo3 жыл бұрын
Very helpful, thanks.
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
So glad it’s helpful! Good luck with your tank!
@ballistic3502 жыл бұрын
I'm gonna go with the eco complete I'm kind of impatient..haha
@marcmyers1465 Жыл бұрын
"Patience" is the Primary Key to success with planted aquariums ! Never "React" to problems... Think your way through the process slowly and deliberately. 😌
@stoneysscapes75443 жыл бұрын
New sub , great information & I really appreciate that you offer your advise because you are interested in helping others w/ what has worked for your planed tanks , as you stated🌿💚 Hope to see many more fish , aquascaping & aquatic plant videos in the future 🐌 I also have been very pleased w / a base layer of lava especially piled up in back , then Eco & Seachem black sand & it does grow lush plants. Hated how messy & too delicate Fluval Stratum was 💩 Hey Father Fish sends his love 🐟🌎
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
Hey Stein. L:ots of ways set up a tank. Some work better than others. I have never failed with a deep sand substrate covering a 1" layer of soil.
@DKclips842 жыл бұрын
informative, thanks
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
Sand is categorically the best possible substrate material. It is precisely what aquatic plants are growing in in nature.
@naomiwaters3 жыл бұрын
Agreed in nature, my experience has been though you must have a substrate underneath the sand to be successful, otherwise compaction and aeration of roots is a real problem. So my point was that you must have something under there for nutrients and aeration, I’ve only seen unhappy results with just sand. Just sharing my experiences, others may be different.
@jhansen61803 жыл бұрын
@@FatherFish very deep sand is the huge deal with that statement.
@plantsandfish55123 жыл бұрын
Haha sand is the best substrate for a planted tank… LOL hilarious 😂 The only people that make that claim are the ones that haven’t used anything else.
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
@@plantsandfish5512 After trying every other possible substrate over a period of 50 years I can categorically say that sand is the most common and most effective material for growing all manner of plants. Adding nutrients by creating a dirt layer under the sand creates a substrate that will grow plants and remove nutrients from the water column for as long as the tank remains established. Clearly you have not tried this system.
@FatherFish3 жыл бұрын
@@jhansen6180 Yes it is.
@softaco30889 ай бұрын
Garden soil capped with sand is still king.
@jygogaming3550 Жыл бұрын
Uns controsoil is good
@naomiwaters Жыл бұрын
I’m trying this for the first time in a new tank - but I wish I had chosen a finer grain one - I got the Normal 5mm size, but found it difficult to plant into
@TheSunIsMyDestroyer2 жыл бұрын
This is why I want to release my betta back into the wild, the price of baked pebbled dirt is killing me and I've not shopped for plants yet 🤣
@NGDowdey2 жыл бұрын
You've got the most confusing accent I've ever experienced.
@naomiwaters2 жыл бұрын
Haha - I’ve lived in many different countries that’s why 😀 hopefully still understandable and not annoying tho
@NGDowdey2 жыл бұрын
@@naomiwaters - Lol. No... Not annoying. Just couldn't tell from sentence to sentence if you were British or American.