[Wet Thumb Forum]-Soil substrate--commercial or front yard?

[Robert Hudson]

Diana, I noticed one of the soil mixes you have used is a mushroom compost. Do you worry about the decomposition of all the organic material in the substrate? Is it a worthy concern?

Robert
King admin
www.aquabotanic.com

[dwalstad]

Hello Robert,

Compost is compost whether it comes from mushrooms or kitchen table scraps. By definition, composted organic matter has already been digested by bacteria into a less raw form, with the nitrogen percentage usually lessened. The composted material contains humic acids and other less rapidly digestible compounds. Nutrient release is less rapid, and therefor, there is less potential for toxicity from ammonia, oxygen depletion, etc.

Diana Walstad

[codeflag99]

I've used this pond soil in my plant propagators.

Water Garden Soil

I haven't tried it in a display tank yet. It should be easy enough for someone to get it here in Eastern Canada. The company does distribute down to the US, so if anyone was really interested, you could do some checking for a retailer, or find something similar.

George

[dwalstad]

[quote]Originally posted by Robert H:
Diana, I noticed one of the soil mixes you have used is a mushroom compost. Do you worry about the decomposition of all the organic material in the substrate? Is it a worthy concern?

Robert

The decomposition of the organic matter is what provides CO2 and nutrients for the plants. In my experience it has been a plus not a problem. However, you are right in being cautious. This is why I recommend keeping the potting soil layer no more than 1-1.5 inchs thick.

I hope that this answers your question.

Diana Walstad

[Phil Edwards]

As a general note, don't worry about perlite components in your soil. It's just heat expanded rock as it vermiculite(mica) and it won't affect your tank negatively.

Best,
Phil

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[Kevin Jones]

The stuff just floats to the surface when uprooting/moving plants

I find that annoying

[skylsdale]

Just as an updated, I unded up putting 25 lbs. of kitty litter in the tank.

[MOR B.]

ive used for over a year a combination of red loam soil from my garden (from 10m deep ) and peat - working great for me - i have heating cable though...

[hubbahubbahehe]

Mor B. The red loam soil reminds me of the soils of baseball parks where I used to play as a kid. Do you think that would work in a planted tank? Perhaps I could talk to my buddy the groundskeeper and see about trying it???? Anyone know if that stuff would work in a planted tank???