Substrate choices for OEBT

[lizam]

So in another thread I was having issues with National Geographic black sand and I am going to scrap it in my fluval spec 3 that  I am setting up.   I can either order and get in the city when I go next weekend  a limited choice of substrates.   I probably want OEBT but I want to have a choice to go with neos too.

 

I have ADA on hand but I know that won't work.  I need some help with which of the following would work best:

• Tropica Aquarium Soil/Powder (which supposedly lowers PH & KH but I have no Idea how much???)  Does anyone know?
• Fuval Stratum
• Flourite black sand
• and I think Flora Max

I don't want to use gravel and I would prefer dark to black.  I'm really curious about Tropica but cannot find out what ph it buffers to.

 

Thank you

[jem_xxiii]

I have used Fluval Statrum before. It tended to break down to powder pretty quickly for, the color though, would be right about where you were looking at dark brown-black

[lizam]

I have used Fluval Statrum before. It tended to break down to powder pretty quickly for, the color though, would be right about where you were looking at dark brown-black

Thanks.

[jumpsmasher]

Hi Liza,

 

any truely inert substrate will work (even if it say it is, that not always the case)

 

ones i tested myself to be inert are as follows:

 

Carbisea moonlight sand
Carbisea golden sunset sand
ADA Mekong Sand
ADA La Plata sand

 

I have the La Plata sand in stock if you are not in a rush.  

 

Also any decorative gravel will work that are epoxy coated - not very natural looking but the coating keeps them inert

[lizam]

Hi Liza,

 

any truely inert substrate will work (even if it say it is, that not always the case)

 

ones i tested myself to be inert are as follows:

 

Carbisea moonlight sand

Carbisea golden sunset sand

ADA Mekong Sand

ADA La Plata sand

 

I have the La Plata sand in stock if you are not in a rush.  

 

Also any decorative gravel will work that are epoxy coated - not very natural looking but the coating keeps them inert

Thanks Hung    I looked up La Plata and any blue shrimp would probably look great on that rather than on dark.   I will email you an order later.

[Vpier]

Just an insight regarding very dark or black sand, you cant see them very well and babies are almost impossible to see. i had very little enjoyment and was always wondering if things were going well that tank. Switched to a white inert sand and they look great and now I can see whats going on. Love the tank now,

[lizam]

Just an insight regarding very dark or black sand, you cant see them very well and babies are almost impossible to see. i had very little enjoyment and was always wondering if things were going well that tank. Switched to a white inert sand and they look great and now I can see whats going on. Love the tank now,

Thanks  Yeah it would be nice to see them after all the effort we all put into them. 

[240ric]

I'm using CaribSea Torpedo Beach for my new OEBT/BTOE tank.  I like that it is a very light greyish color and slightly larger grains than pool filter sand.

[Shrimp Life]

Thanks Hung    I looked up La Plata and any blue shrimp would probably look great on that rather than on dark.   I will email you an order later.

The la Plata looks awesome. I also have OEBT and I keep them on sand very close to the look of La Plata... so thats a good choice.

vpier is right, it would be very hard to see them on Black substrate.