Heidi125

I would like to add eco-complete to my tanks. Would it be ok to add a little bit at a time?
I have regular gravel in them now.

Heidi125

I would like to add eco-complete to my tanks. Would it be ok to add a little bit at a time?
I have regular gravel in them now.

Butterfly

Eco-Complete is two different size granules. One is sand like and one is like small gravel. It will most likely work down/mix with your gravel. It also has a liquid in it that should be added to the tank also. If you open the bag and don't add it all at once it might evaporate.
Heidi I merged your two posts hope you don't mind. Frequently when the same question is posted in two different places the questions don't get much response. With the question in one place all your responses and information will be in one place.
Carol

Heidi125

Ok thanks Carol

Heidi125

I forgot to mention that it states on the bag, " Placing new gravel over top (capping) of an established gravel can be damaging to aquatic life."

sirdarksol

The EcoComplete bag says to drain off as much of the liquid as possible before adding it to an established tank. Not sure why, but I wonder if it might be to reduce a fight between different types of nitrifying bacteria, which could harm the cycle.

Otherwise, yeah, you can just add it on top of gravel, or you can try to pull as much of your gravel out as possible, if you don't want it layered. Some gravel will end up on top of the EcoComplete if you mix them (which might look neat). If you want to do a bit at a time, you can seal the EcoComplete bag, then seal it in a second bag (EcoComplete usually comes in two bags, anyway, because stores had problems with the first bag leaking all over their shelves)

Edit: Adding it on top of gravel might create pockets of stagnant water, which, in the long run, can kill your fish if they later get disturbed. That might be why they suggest not adding it on top of gravel.