Which commercially available substrate is best and durable?

[SCORPIO]

In next few days, I want to rescape one of my tank. This time I want to use branded substrate such as ADA Amazonia, Contro Soil etc. Which one is best, cost effective and durable?

[marsaiko]

I think the first option.... never used it though but too many customer feedbacks

But you are growing nearly aaaaal plants in your DIY substrate, why do you want to change?

[zico_aqua]

I have used both amazonia and controsoil, IMO Controsoil is the best considering price and durability - why I say this is - I have reused controsoils to create multiple scape, yet the granules remain in shape, very few crumbles!

[SCORPIO]

I think the first option.... never used it though but too many customer feedbacks

But you are growing nearly aaaaal plants in your DIY substrate, why do you want to change?

DIY substrate needs lots of hard working and also not reusable. Although price is around half in comparison of branded ones.

I have used both amazonia and controsoil, IMO Controsoil is the best considering price and durability - why I say this is - I have reused controsoils to create multiple scape, yet the granules remain in shape, very few crumbles!

I want to reuse the substrate after every 6-8 months.

[zico_aqua]

my scape the cuuube was a 6 months old scape, once the scape was borken down - apart from the top layer, all lower corresponding layer were proper granules which again have been reused.

[marsaiko]

Oh, so there is no way to reuse diy,bad luck.:[

Abhra, so ADA crumbles off? Did you use Africana or latest one?

[zico_aqua]

Africana has the least nutrients than any substrate by any company in the market!! I have used Amazonia 1 and 2, both I found to be quite soft, ADA powder type is the worst of the lot..it becomes much inside the tank if not handled very carefully!

[ishaan]

i have used only ada till now and its best for me, will try controsoil also to compare its growth.

[Abhi]

Agreed about ADA, have used that and for rescaping again it's like working with mud. Found Seachem Flourite also good retains the shape and till now found descent results with it.

[sushant]

I have used both amazonia and controsoil, IMO Controsoil is the best considering price and durability - why I say this is - I have reused controsoils to create multiple scape, yet the granules remain in shape, very few crumbles!

though i have never used a contra soil but the have heard a lot about its positive review.ADA though is a good substrate but starts disintegrating after few months of usage.