Does the job it's supposed to.Not as black as you're led to believe. I put this in two tanks and after a couple of years,the black silicone has turned a tan color in several spots.And it's not just discolored,the silicone has become brittle.Happened in a Perfecto and also in an All Glass. I'm not saying it was the eco-complete but thats what was common between the two tanks.
Left Coast DJ has used this product for 3-12 Months.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
October 18, 2006
"No need to rinse - just dump it in!"
If you're into planted tanks, you know what a PIA it is to keep rinsing a bucketful of substrate and then still have a muddy and cloudy tank for a week. This is Eco-Complete's greatest advantage - NO NEED TO RINSE! Looks great too. Until your plants root completely, they may have a tendency to float away if you have a strong current in the tank because this substrate is a bit loose. But other than that, it's the best. Flourite is good too - but I don't like to keep rinsing it 10 times per bucketful.
I think that Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate is the most effective substrate available for planted aquariums. I've used everything from gravel with potting soil to Onyx Sand to Flourite (which is effective too) but nothing is as good as this. Plants grow quicker, they take root easier and it looks more natural. It may cost more than some other substrates but it is well worth the price. I intend to use it in all of my future planted tanks.
CaribSea is a top-notch company w/ customer service second to none! This plant substrate has many good features that make it a top choice for a plant tank. The black color looks great w/ the plant contrast. Doubt you could find a better plant substrate (especially for the price)
"love the look, plants love it, but too light (weight) for my taste"
price in LFS is a bit high, it looks great, the plants grow like crazy in it. my overall impression of the stuff is good.
the ONLY thing i dont really like is that its very easy to disturb as i find it to be very lightweight. one little errant flick of the hand and it goes flying across the tank.
This stuff actually works as advertised. It's a ready to use substrate and my plants love it. I just wish I could get it in a finer grain size too. You can find Eco-complete for under $10 on the net.
I have this product in my 29 gallon planted tank , before I could not get plants to grow, after this I can't get them to stop !! Great stuff carib does it again !
This is a very good substrate for your plants. It has a nice color. Promotes plant growth and gives a good boost to all your new plants that you put into your aquarium. Really like the product however a little expensive. If you can find any cheaper then $20 definately get it because it usually runs in LFS around $30+. All in all this product is GREAT!
Agent Smith has used this product for 3-12 Months.
Overall Rating: 9/10
May 17, 2004
"comparable to flourite . . . but much easier to use"
i havnt found any differance in growth between flourite and eco-complete. but eco has 1 BIG advantage over flourite: its MUCH easier to use. if you have ever used flourite, you probalby get the feeling that your washing half of it away. but with eco, you simply dump it in. and its not as bold as flourite and has a nice greyish black color.
unfortunetly, this stuff typicaly costs a fortune. and i think you get about the same amount of gravle as flourite simply because of the water packing.
I don't buy into the ecology claims they are trying to sell...and it's just black.
So, if it's the same price as something similar, fine. If not, I wouldn't suggest it.
westwood8183 has used this product for 3-12 Months.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
December 7, 2003
"very nice substrate"
I am currently using this substrate in a 20 gallon tank planted with amazon swords and I really like it. I have not had to add any other fertilizers to the tank in order to keep the plants healthy. It has a nice dark color and very fine grains which allow for easy root growth, and the smaller fish I have can sift through it easily. It also contrasts nicely with the plant and fish colors. It's very easy to use as well, no rinsing required. My tank cycled in 3 weeks using this product from the start. It is a little expensive, I paid about $20 for a 20lb. bag.
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