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Re: Using Soil as a substrate mix for plants.
Sorry for the previous post I forgot to demarcate which paragraphs were
from which author.
>I have read of several people using normal soil as a substrate mix for
a
>planted tank. how feasible is this, and if it is more beneficial than
>harmful for the tank and the future residents, how much and how should
I
>prepare the substrate? Straight soil on bottom or mixed with the
gravel
>for first 2 inches then 2 more of just gravel on top?
>
IMO soil is more trouble than it is worth as a substrate. First you
have to sift it to remove large particles and then soak it to leach out
as much organic material as possible. You must cover it with a layer of
sand and/or gravel.
>
>Will it change the properties of the water in such a way as to make it
more
>time consuming and a pain than a help for the plants? I don't really
want
>to dish out the money for Flourite right now, so I am looking for some
cost
>effective additives for the gravel that will greatly increase my
chances of
>success for the plants...I have not setup or cycled the tank yet...so
now is
>the best time plan any substrate changes. Any ideas or suggestions
would
>be appreciated.
>
>AM
>
If price is an issue, you should look at Profile as a Fluorite
substitute. It is a kiln fired clay like material. It is used as a
soil amendment. You can find more info at www.profileproducts.com or
search www.thekrib.com. You can find it at Walmart, some Home Depots,
and Frank's Nursery and Crafts under the names:
Profile Clay Soil Conditioner
Profile Aquatic Soil
Turface MVP or Pro League
If you are interested in DIY substrates you should check out Steve
Pushak's website (http://home.infinet.net/teban/). Especially look at
Jamie Johnson's article.
Good luck,
Lobos