Eco-Complete with or without gravel?

[saynever]

Went out and picked up a few things today at the LFS(s). I saw a bag of Eco complete and was wondering if i can use it by itself or does it need gravel over top of it. I have a 10gallon tank and am planing to make it heavily planted.

[Boxermom]

By itself.

[saynever]

the 1 20 pound bag should be enough right? if anything too much according to the 1lb per gallon rule.

Would you ever want to mix the eco-complete?

[Boxermom]

20 lbs should be fine for a 10g tank. I wouldn't want to mix it ever and can't think of any reason why one should. Unless you don't like the color or want sand on top or something, but the sand would eventually mix with it.

[saynever]

Good, then i'll pick the bag up tomorow. I picked up two 1.5lb bags of black/dark grey gravel(not coated, el natural) and will return it and use tha money towards the eco-complete. Does the eco deplete after a few months or is it good for the life of the tank?

[Boxermom]

No idea about the life of Eco Complete. I just assumed it didn't need replacing or enhancement but their website is lacking that information so I don't know for sure.

[saynever]

Oh i dont care really, i was just wondering. I assume the vitamins and minerals it comes with is used up within a month or less. I may keep one of the bags of gravel and use it with the eco...not sure yet. do you have a pic of the eco in a tank?

[Boxermom]

Oh no, it lasts much longer than that. Definitely longer than a month!

I haven't got any pictures myself as I haven't used it in my tanks yet. I used Flourite and sand (in different tanks) for my planted tanks, which is very similar. But if I had to do it again, I'd definitely go with Eco Complete instead.

[Myaj]

I love EcoComplete. I've used it mixed with gravel, but I definatley prefer it all by itself.

It lasts a long time too, no worries about having to change it out. I have planted tanks that have been running years with it.

[saynever]

do i have to worry about dead spots with anarobic bacteria like you do with sand?

[Myaj]

With the standard depth of 2-4" and the roots of the plants moving things around as well, its basically like any normal gravel. Its slightly smaller than standard gravel, but much bigger than sand.

[saynever]

picked up a 20lb bag today for 19.99 from the LFS. If it isn't deep enough on its own, i will have to add black natural gravel(not shiny).

Oh and let me tell you. Finding pond snails in South Jersey at fish stores is a no go. No one has them. I gave in an bough some ram shaped ones from value Pet for an unbelievable .75 cents. OMG what a rip.

Right after i did that, i realized our friend/neighbor the next block over has a fish pond set up in his back yard. Sure enough, i go over an ask him if i could have a few and he told me he didn't think he had any but if i could find any i could have him. And well, if i ever need to start up another snail breeding tank, i know where to go first.

[Sjsteveo]

ya i had to buy this like red horn snails i have no idea if they're even worth giving to the fish, but they were 2.99 each and let me tell you tax in CA isn't cheap LOL i bought 5 of em and it was liek almost 17 doller let's just say having mama's credit card is really nice or else my fish probaly would never get snails

[Boxermom]

The only snails we can get for free around here are "pest" snails, MTS. Everyone sells puffers now so they use the pond and ramshorns for their own stock. Otherwise we have to buy them. I just order from Wilma now.

[saynever]

well, all the FAQ's and forums always say that LFS's give em away for free. I mean, its not a big deal. But i couldnt even find any. I still think the red rams i bought were a rip, they're not even adults...but now i will have both kinds...since puffers like variety.

BTW, what is this Wilma you speak of?