dbrown918

I'm setting up a 20 Gallon High aquarium this week and am using fluorite as the substrate. I was just wondering if fluorite alone, in a 2 inch thick application, will be enough? Or will I need to supplement it with something else to keep the plants rooted and happy? Also, how much of a pain is it to clean a fluorite bed with a vacuum siphon? Please respond if you currently use fluorite.

Fish Addict

I think it should last for about half a year, though I'm not sure exactly. Maybe check the package. And it's no worse than regular gravel, just make sure to wash it out until the water runs clear, b/c otherwise the ferts are going to be so strong they can hurt your fish.

meg1220

I don't have any trouble vacuuming my flourite. 2"-3" should be enough to root them in. And definitely rinse rinse rinse, as I had a LOT of trouble in the beginning with dirty water because I didn't rinse enough.

ooibhuskyoo

Someone said I shouldn't rinse my flourite... My water started off really cloudy, but it's clearing up now (it's been a couple hours). Do I have to replace my water?! =(

meg1220

I had the same problem... it cleared up somewhat within a few hours, but then it seemed to sort of "hit a wall"- it just didn't seem to get any better for a couple of days. I panicked and bought a flocculent (one of those water- clarifying products- I think it was Accuclear or something like that). I do not recommend doing that; I definitely would not again. If you're cycling your tank, anyway, you could just wait it out, or you could change the water.

ooibhuskyoo

Sweet ok... Well I will see what happens within a day, and if it doesn't get any clearer then I will just change the water. I barely started cycling the tank anyways, so it shouldn't be that big of a problem.