What are some good substrate brands?

I just bought a 55 gallon tank and want to start getting my stuff together for it for a planted tank. I already have a 4 gallon tank and used Flora Max in it. I want to try something other from that. Any suggestions?

Thanks

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Comment by Micah Ocon on April 5, 2014 at 12:38am: i've always used eco-complete because thats what they sell at the lfs and it works good.

Comment by Luke Newcomb on April 5, 2014 at 8:51am: Aqua Durt. It works great in my 90 gal. lots of lush growth.

Comment by Rated M on April 8, 2014 at 12:51pm: Thanks, all! Micah, what color do you use? Luke, I've been reading that dirt can be tricky but I will still look into it. Much appreciated!

Comment by Cire Loknok on April 9, 2014 at 9:50pm: Dirt is definitely the way to go. It will be much less money and work in the long run.

Comment by Cire Loknok on April 9, 2014 at 10:10pm: I've heard Caribsea makes the perfect gravel for capping dirt. Pool filter sand, or small gravel works good though too, if you want to save some money. THESE ARE TO BE USED WITH A DIRTED TANK

Comment by Doug T. on April 10, 2014 at 7:14pm: I've been very impressed by Eco-Complete but it is very pricey(my LFS wants 29.99/bag!!!). I've heard nothing but good things about that ADA amazonia aqua soil but I've never personally used it(again very pricey and I've only ever seen it online). Dirt also works well and it's not that difficult. I think people just get scared by how messy it CAN be but as long as you are even a little bit competent and not a complete buffoon, anyone can successfully dirt a tank.

Comment by Cire Loknok on April 10, 2014 at 9:26pm: I originally bought Seachem's fluorite substrate for my first planted tank. WHAT A RIP OFF. It holds its nutrients for about a month, then its useless. Don't buy that stuff.

Comment by bea on May 15, 2014 at 7:40pm: Eco-complete is pretty popular, but I was not very impressed. For the price, I really expected significantly improved plant growth. I just use dirt, and it seems to do just as well at a fraction of the price. I would agree with Doug T. that even a moderately competent person will have no problem with using dirt.