Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

[peterp63]

Does anyone here mix the eco-complete african cichlid sand with PFS?  If so, how does it look?  I would like to get the benefits of argonite-containing sand and the thriftyness of PFS.  Also, about how much total lbs. would you recommend for a 210T (6x2x2)?

[CichlidFan]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

I like the looks of both, but am not sure what they would look like mixed together, I would say try a sample on a ten gallon tank and see what you think.

I would think a mix of 3 to 1 might work nicely....the PFS being the 3 in this case.

Take some pics if you do go there.

Thanks

CF

[myjohnson]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

regarding the mix I would do as CF suggested.

I like to have very little sand in my tanks. If you have a tick sand bed then pockets of poisonous gas may form. With that being said, I would go for 50-70 pds.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

50-70lbs? For  6x2? That's like going bare bottom.

[supadave]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

I have the same size tank and to get about a 1" thick sand bed, it took atleast 150# to 200# of PFS. As for the trapped gas issue, I've been using PFS for the last two years and have not had an issue with trapped gases. I think if you are doing regular water changes and maybe stirring the sand up a little when you vacuum you'll be fine. Plus I think my fish do all the stirring of the sand that I need, plus some that I don't need.  No matter how much I smooth out the sand the fish will rearrange the sand to the way they they like it.

[myjohnson]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

50-70lbs? For  6x2? That's like going bare bottom.

That was my point.....I'm going with 1/2'' sand bed next time. 1'' to 1/2'' is perfect IMHO.

[myjohnson]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

I got about 1 1/2'' to 2'' right now and I notice the bottom lay of sand getting "bad."

If the sand bed is tick "a good churning of the sand bed is required. Trapped food and gasses can become toxic over time and these need to be released periodically. You’ll notice that there will be a statification of the sand bed. The bottom "trapped" layer of sand will turn a dark grey-black in time, and once the layer is churned up and the waste & gasses released, it will eventually turn back to the original sand color. You’ll even notice a bit of "rotten-egg" odor when churning the bed, this is normal and are just the gasses being released."  by Brad Newton.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

If you are doing your maintenance its not a problem.

And in voids like in the quote us cichlid keepers shine when using aragonite base substrate cause the trapped areas will also become co2/low pH areas and then it breaks down the substrate offering us buffering and good stable pH.

I have about 200lbs in my 125g and its just enough to make 1-1.5" sand bed and with the amount of flow and active fish I have there's no problems with trapped gasses.

Those that have massive 4" substrate, low flow, fine PFS or play sane and poor maintnence routine are the ones to worry.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

Function over Form

[CHK-Cichlids]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

H there,

I mixed Eco-complete with PFS in a 1:1 ratio. I kinda like the result.  :wink:





Oh, and also, this is my first post here - so hi guys!  Just moved into town.

CH

[armthehomeless]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

Looks nice. I like the mixture. Welcome to the box, by the way

[Zulaab]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

Welcome to the box :)
Looking great :)   Love the eggs on the stone :)  What kind of cichlid is it ?

[peterp63]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

Wow, that does look really good.  Unfortunately, I already put the PFS in the aquarium.  I decided that I would use some holey rock to buffer the water.  But, I will definitely keep the 1:1 ratio mixture in mind for next time.  

Thanks!!

[CHK-Cichlids]

Re: Mixing eco-complete w/ PFS

peterp63 - sure, glad you like the mixture  :)

Thanks armthehomeless and Zulaab, for the welcome   Just moved into town for a month and still feeling my way around... anyhow, the cichlid is of the Australoheros species. As of right now, my research has led me to the assigned name - Australoheros "oblongum" (Wayne Leibel). Hope to meet more pple at the upcoming auctions!