Hi Wally,
You're on the right track, but I'd change your specs to the following:
Use only 1 to 1.5 inches of Miracle Grow Potting Mix. This is because 2-3 inches may become too anaerobic and make it difficult for plants.
Use 1-1.5 inches of gravel (not sand) to cover the potting soil This is because sand is too "tight" a seal for your soil layer. Gravel is more permeable, and aerated water can more easily get into soil layer. Also and most importantly, I've not had good luck using a sand cover. I know its harder to find, but use gravel, even if its shiny or pink-colored.
In my book, I take hobbyist step-by-step on how to set up a soil tank. But here are the highlights:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>Pour in the soil to 1 to 1.5 inches
Wet the soil with a little water so that its moist but not submerged
Add about half of your gravel on top
Put the plants in
At the same time spoon more gravel around plants
Add water to about 3" above your gravel using a small plate (or your hand) to block force of water
You'll see where soil is most disturbed and you can spoon in more gravel where the soil is "leaking out"
When you've got all the plants in, remove this water, which will probably be a little cloudy.[/list]
I add fish same day. If the fish don't look happy (not eating), then remove them immediately and start protective measures. Look at it this way; the worst that can happen is that you might have to do a water change. My bet is that the fish will love this tank. The tank may be cloudy for a day or so, but cloudiness will go away.
But remember, you've got to start with plenty of plants, good lighting, and moderate filtration. The best soil in the world won't work if you set this tank up with a wet-dry filter that removes all the CO2, or you have poor lighting.
See picture gallery for my 45 gal, which was set up this way, but with a different potting soil.
Diana Walstad
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