Stocking 240l Roma fluval

[Byron]

I just wanted to post up a huge thank you were settled on the pearl gourami and rasbora - tank arrives Friday so time for us to look into the environment suitable rock/plant/wood supplier and the right types the soil/gravel is now a priority and knowing the fish should make that easier.

In the aim of regenerating the environment im thinking ecocomplete (red), a scatter of small rocks with one/two large, then the back planted opposite the big rocks more heavily planted.

I would not use the EcoComplete. This so-called enriched plant substrate has issues. Primarily, it is sharp for fish, and while substrate-level fish haven't been considered so far, they might be later, and this would not work. Secondly, this does not benefit plants in my experience. Third, the red colour is a distraction when you have the intended fish. A better substrate would be neutral, in the grey/buff mix category. I would also use sand, again just in case substrate fish enter the picture later.

The species being considered inhabit swamps and slow-flowing streams in blackwater regions (in case someone spots it, there is one exception for T. espei, just so you know that I know). Play Sand with a layer of dried leaves, chunks of wood and branches, would make the perfect aquascape.

 

[InspiredDad]

Ideally I'm looking to avoid sand after several scare stories with clogged filters especially the 306.

The reason I was looking at the reddish is apparently it's more like an orange mud which is similar to the riverbeds. (Using http://www.aquariumadventure.com/AquariumAdventureTipSheet15.htm) as a guide.

Maybe a soil bed with a thin layer of gravel would be suitable ?

 

[Byron]

Ideally I'm looking to avoid sand after several scare stories with clogged filters especially the 306.

The reason I was looking at the reddish is apparently it's more like an orange mud which is similar to the riverbeds. (Using http://www.aquariumadventure.com/AquariumAdventureTipSheet15.htm) as a guide.

Maybe a soil bed with a thin layer of gravel would be suitable ?

I was wondering if you were perhaps thinking of the "red" habitat substrates. While this may be somewhat true (the iron-rich clays of some SE Asian streams are not the norm) there is a difference in the aquarium where everything can get exaggerated, and any sort of vivid substrate can impede on the aquascape. This is one reason why white should never be used (the other and more important issue is the effect this has on fish). I can only go by online photos to judge just how "red" this EC substrate is, but I can easily see it clashing with the fish colours. A better option to get "brown" would be to use a neutral fine gravel or sand with a layer of dried leaves like oak leaves. Leaves are found in many habitats. The other thing to keep in mind is that any substrate will change appearance under water and under the tank lighting. I have used pure black substrates only to have them durn a dark grey, which wasn't so bad in itself, but it shows up every speck of detritus. I happen to have used the Flourite substrate which is much the same in appearance as the black EC. Bad mistake. Flourite in my hand was less rough than EC was, but even so it did considerable damage to my corys in that tank, and they had to be removed. After two years (minus corys) the plants were no better, and I was using the same level of liquid fertilizer and substrate tabs as in my gravel and sand tanks. Waste of money.

I've never had issues with sand in my filters, but I'll leave that. Sand is still the best aquarium substrate bar none (unless one is after a river habitat with pea gravel or something specific).

Soil is getting you into a very different world, and it can be fraught with problems. Many authors suggest a six-month period before adding fish to let the chemistry settle, as soil will cause ammonia (sometimes extreme). I've never messed with soil under alayer of gravel or sand because I can see no benefit, but the opposite which is something I don't need.

At least you are thinking all this through beforehand. Many don't, and then regret this or that, and once the tank is set up, changing the substrate is not an easy operation.

Byron.

 

[InspiredDad]

Would this be suitable?

1inch deep
https://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/...sand-and-gravel/substrate/tropica-soil-3l-9l/

Then .5inch
https://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium/accessories/sand-and-gravel/fine/black-0-6mm-5kg-60kg/

Then added various small brown peddles, some wood/rock then plant life.

Couldn't find a sand that wasn't either a bright colour so the black would be dark but lighter with the lights above.

 

[Byron]

I have never used the Tropica soil substrate. However, two comments on this. First, you are not going to have much benefit with the plant species that you have been indicating. Second, this product messes with the pH and Kh, lowering them it says, so be aware of changing parameters.

These type of under-substrates may have some benefit in heavily planted tanks (though I am rather doubtful they are as beneficial as they may claim), but with what you are intending from earlier in this thread, this is not necessary. The photos I posted of my 90g show a fairly heavy planting and I have nothing in there but play sand with a substrate tab added next to each the larger plants every couple of months.

I also have no experience with the second linked product. Colour is fine, but I've no idea beyond that.

In this hobby, we are continually being bombarded by manufacturers to use this or that product as necessary for whatever. Most of this is rubbish. Diana Walstad who advocates soil substrates (with a top layer of sand) as "essential" for planted tanks has admitted more than once in her book and articles that any sand or gravel substrate will after one year be as nutritious for plants as the soil. So my question is, then why go through the fuss? We should keep asking ourselves such questions.

Byron.

 

[InspiredDad]

Thanks for that I'll go with the black gravel and get some tabs for the plants - so much to learn but falling in love with the complexities and the thought that down the line I'll be experienced enough to experiment and learn to read the results of tests in more depth - my sons passion may become my second job