I'm after a good substrate for HC and Staurogyne that won't break the bank and if possible doesn't need capping or could I just use Manado on it's own???
It depends on how much you want to spend...Monado is fine, but it's not nutrient rich. It's only pourous fired clay, so it will soak up nutrients as it ages. I have used some Aquabasis twice now and have had no problems. If i was to choose nutrient rich substrate, it would be worth paying a bit extra and buying the Columbo flora base.
Columbo is pretty good I think - try Richard @ Aquaessentials
or have you considered making your own nutrient rich out of Akadama? - http/theplantedtank.co.uk/akadama.htm
If I was to get the Ada products I know are different steps I'm first trying this in a 10 gallon tank so what is the most important Ada products because I'm trying to save some money
Has anyone used the Seachem Flourite substrate, was thinking about grabbing a bunch of that as they make a cool looking Black Sand mix. The packaging says nutrients built in, but wanted to be sure.
Has anyone used the Seachem Flourite substrate, was thinking about grabbing a bunch of that as they make a cool looking Black Sand mix. The packaging says nutrients built in, but wanted to be sure.