What do you prefer?

[fishgirl]

So like I've said in my previous posts, i am planning on changing my substrate for that more "natural" feel. I'm debating whether to get a black substrate or my originally planned tan'ish substrate (not as light as white sand but not really a brown either). I think the tan'ish will look more natural and i really like the look of it in general, but then theres the black. Its darkness will make my fishs color pop and stand out. I also really like the look of the black substrate as well, especially when planted or aquascaped. So i would like to know what your personal opinion is in this situation. Out of the 2 color choices what do you think i should do?

[Freshwater Tropic]

Tan-ish will generally look more natural. But, To be honest... It would depend on what fish are going in there. I have had Black substrate with african cichlids and it really made their colors pop. I think though, I would go with the Tan-ish substrate. I love a "Natural" look. Just my opinion though. I am sure shortly we will hear from some other members and their opinions.

[Crazygar]

For as natural as possible with plants, go with Tan"ish" (my 12yr old uses ISH to the point, I sometimes want to throttle her) substrate. That's my 2cents (oh wait, we have eliminated the Penny here, my Nickel).

Gary

[Freshwater Tropic]

That's my 2cents (oh wait, we have eliminated the Penny here, my Nickel).

Gary

REALLY!? They have talked about that over here multiple times and than never go through with it. Hows it working out?

*** Sorry to hack your thread fishgirl, I just am curious about this. ***

[Crazygar]

FT: Left you a PM.

Fishgirl, have you decided yet or waiting for more to chime in?

Gary

[fishgirl]

I'm just lingering around waiting to see what some others may think. I think I'm leaning more towards the tan color though.

[Crazygar]

That would be my choice.

Gary

[lou zello]

i allways use tan and dark brown mix but i don't use sand,just small or med size gravel as i like it's BIOLOGICAL advantage better and when you keep as many fish as i do you need every little bit of help you can get.

[fishgirl]

I wasnt really looking for sand anyways. I'm looking for a smaller gravel. I'm done with the bulky look and want something smoother and more natural....like fine gravel! Thanks for the input!

[Crazygar]

We are all glad to have helped. Just remember, too fine, might compact, crush roots and inhibit nutrients from being absorbed.

Gary

[ScottFish]

I mix my tan with Flourite.

[C. Andrew Nelson]

I vote for tan. That's what's in my tank right now. But if I were to set up the same layout today I'd probably go with a slightly grayish substrate to more closely resemble the grayish/greenish rocks I used in my hardscape.

[fishgirl]

Well we purchased a 55 gallon yesterday and decided that we were just going to use eco complete and thats black. So instead of me waiting even longer to get my substrate for my 20 i just sucked it up and had my mom order an extra for the 20 while she was at it. I think I'm going to put a layer of black sand under it though. What do you think? Will 1 20 pound bag be enough to cover my 20 gallon? Or should i put black sand under?

[Pianolord]

I have black gravel in my 30gal tank and more natural (tan with brown) gravel in my two 10gal tanks.To be honest i like both; tan is good for the natural look and can look like a lake/river bed. But black gravel will really make certain colors pop. I mean really, I never thought it would but when i transfered my black phantoms and rosy tetras to my 30gal with the black gravel they looked at least 10x better(and that was not because of better water quality or conditions . . . i checked haha); but then at the same time certain colors pop with the tan gravel too . . . So it's really up to you. Also black won't show any alge growth or junk in the gravel, but black can make the tank look dark; whereas tan will brighten the tank up. As I said I like both, it is really up to you. hope this helps . . . maybe lol

[Crazygar]

It's all a matter of preference and affordability.

EcoComplete is nice, but it will cost a pretty penny to fill up a 3" Layer, but if you mix it up with Tahitian Moon Sand, you will make it go a little longer than just straight EcoComplete.

I always go for what looks natural, since I am purist. Sure the black brings out the colors, but it to me, it's not all that natural looking, as most substrates in the wild are tan in nature.

Gary