Substrate: I simply can't decide!

I have never had a problem choosing substrate before. Now that I have my new tank, I want it to be perfect, and now I just don't know what to do. ???

Here are my criteria:

-natural look
-best for plant growth
-smooth for pleco and cories

I currently have: (not in the tank)

- natural coloured gravel
- sand from lake Ontario
- bag of fluval plant stratum that I will be returning because you can't mix it with other substrates.

I am not sure if I will use either of these, or if I should just get something else. PLus, neither one is that good for plants on their own.
I have root tabs, but I don't want to only use those - I would like a good plant substrate as well.

Any ideas?

Here are my current subs:

 

In most of my planted tanks I use TOP soil covered in a layer of pool filter sand.
Works well for the plants and looks very natural.
And, should be great for cories and plecos.

 

I have used Eco Complete, either by its self, or mixed with gravel. It's black, and can really make the plants pop in your aquarium with a black background.

I have also used top soil ,topped with sand or gravel like the other post. This works very well as well.

 

I really like the look of pool filter sand. Doing what Dino said with the top soil and sand cap would do wonders for plants.

 

SOLD!!

Thanks everyone! Thanks Dino - I will do just that. Is there one soil better or safer?

 

SOLD!!

Thanks everyone! Thanks Dino - I will do just that. Is there one soil better or safer?

Organic! That way its sure to have no chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers in there.

I've used something from WalMart. I'll link it...

*edit*

I use this stuff.



Its cheap, and comes in a nice big bag. Causes lots of tannins (actually, just a persistent, slight yellowing), though, so if you don't like, I know Jers uses organic Miracle Grow.

 

Thanks Akari!
So it should be top soil, as opposed to other kinds then? Also, is pure laterite by apI any good, or do I even need it with the soil?

 

It can be potting soil, too. Anything with added fertilizers will cause a lot of initial algae growth.

You shouldn't need anything extra with the soil, but I'm not really sure. Its been a while since I did an El Natural tank.

 

Potting soil generally has vermiculite to loosen the soil.
These are those little white balls you see in the soil.
They will float to the top of the water and make a mess.

Be sure and use TOP, not POTTING soil.