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Re: More on Aquatic Plant Soils
Sean had quoted part of the description for Profile Aquatic Plant Soil in his
previous post:
<< Aquatic Plant Soil is made from a unique mineral known as Fuller's
Earth.". I did a search through the archives and it looks like this is
pretty decent stuff. I'll try it out this spring and let you know what
happens. >>
This sounds very similar to the description on the side of my 40lb bag of Oil
Absorbent, a product that is packaged and distributed by the Moltan Co. and
which I had posted my experience with a few days ago on this list. The
Fuller's earth in Oil Absorbent must be fired or baked because unlike the
typical Fuller's earth products I have tried in the past -- like various
kitty liters and Oil Dry, it does not become "mushy" or break down and cloud
the water over time.
I don't know what Profile looks like but I'm going to make a serious attempt
to find out. Watch these two be the exact same material at different prices.
BTW, the Profile Aquatic Plant Soil is quoted at $7.99 for 11 lb. (plus
shipping) on the site Sean found.
OTOH, Oil Absorbent was $5.99 for 40lbs at my local Rose's Auto Store and it
grew plants just fine.
Now, I have nothing against Profile, Turface or Fluorite. In fact, my
personal favorite is regular Fluorite because of its more attractive
appearance and heavier weight (which holds the plants down better initially).
The only problem I have is with the price of Fluorite. If one has a lot of
tanks, that can become an issue at some point.
One can pot plants in Fluorite and then bury them in a cheaper substrate or
cap a layer of the less expensive Turface, Profile or whatever with the
heavier, prettier Fluorite. Besides, if a good foreground type ground cover
is established its hard to even see the substrate anyway.
It's nice to have options and alternatives.
Bob Olesen in a cool, rainy south Florida