Substrate

[charmer]

has any one used crushed volcanic rock as a substrate? there is a product called zeobrite, or veolite(im not sure) used in pool sand filters

just wondering if anyone has used these products, they cost around $25 for 15kg

[Jess]

I use Unimin pool filter sand in my 5ft tank. I think I went through 2 x 20/25kg bags.

Looks fantastic!

[Bettarazzi]

Haven't use crushed volcanic rock? What about it attracts you to it? I've used zeolite for chemical filtration but not as a substrate.

[charmer]

i guess its the size and 1 colour of brown that attracts me about it.

i wasnt sure of it so i ended up buying filter sand, it looks ok, but im not sure if i like the brightness it attracts from the lights. i need some more ground covers to hide it maybe.

[Jess]

I bought the pool filter for the brightness . Each to their own hey :)

[Chuckie]

the plants will love the brightness :)

[Bender]

Now that's something I didn't think of, will reflected light make much of a difference to the plants? I like the darker colour of the volcanic rock too, but hadn't thought about the effect on plants.

[Chuckie]

generally the more light in the tank the better the plants will grow. Dark substrate tends to absorb light so you have less light available for the plants.