AquaSoil or Eco Complete

[tackful]

After 3 yrs my AquaSoil seems to have worn out. Things just aren't growing as well as they used to, despite pressurized co2,increased dosing,
and root tabs. I think its time to tear down and start over with a new substrate. I have read elsewhere on this forum that Eco Complete does not wear out, the reason given having to do with cation exchange. Does this seem like a better choice than AquaSoil? Thanks.

 

[Ozymandias]

not sure i know eco-complete and fluorite tend to absorb fertilizer and minerals to disperse to plant roots i don't think that Aquasiol does this. i also know that those to are made from slightly tougher stuff so it would last wonder. i would PM Tom barr (plantbrain) about this actually he know alot about this stuff.

 

[jmhart]

Basically, when it comes to nutrient content AS can't be beat because it's not a baked clay substrate. The downside is that, yes, it breaks down. Eco isn't as good in terms of nutrient content, but, as you know, it doesn't break down.

So it's really up to. AS is better, but it comes with added expense because it must be replace and added headache because, well, it must be replaced.

 

[Ozymandias]

if you do decide to take out the AS i'll take it. at that point is sort of mud like and you can do some interesting scaping with it

 

[goddessjen]

Eco-complete lasts forever. My aquasoil didn't stand up to the abuse of my frequet replanting, it turned to mud.

 

[XMAN]

How does the baked clay "wear out"? I'm starting a new planted tank using Oil-dri as substrate (Same thing as Turface or SMS, I believe). Doesn't the high CEC mean it absorbs nutrients until they are used? Shouldn't that continually get replenished from fish waste?

 

[jmhart]

baked clay substrates last like 20 years or longer.

AS grows plants better, but it only last a year, 2 tops.

 

[XMAN]

Never mind then, I was hearing what you were saying to mean the opposite. Thanks. It's tough to beat the cost effectiveness of Oil-Dri. 25 lb bags at Walmart for $3.50 each.

I am using a mix of 8 lbs of Hartz pH5 cat litter on the bottom layer, topped by a mixture of 40 lbs of Oil-Dri and 10 lbs crushed coral (pH stabilizer). I have very soft water. That gives me about 3 inches of substrate. And some pea stone over the top, but not enough to fully cover the Oil-dri.