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

skylsdale · 02-20-2004, 12:08 PM

Referring to Diana Walstad's method of tank setup (haven't had a chance to get my hands on the booko...just what I could glean from around here) I understand the purpose of using soil for the bottom layer of substrate. I have seen it recommended to use potting soil WITHOUT added ferts, etc. However, I cannot find a commerical potting soil in my area that doesn't have anything added to it.

Is there any problem in using collected soil as long as it's from an area where pesticides, ferts, etc. haven't been used? Would it still provide a decent amount of nutrients for plants, or do commercial mixes tend to be more abundant?

Thanks!

skylsdale · 02-20-2004, 12:08 PM

Referring to Diana Walstad's method of tank setup (haven't had a chance to get my hands on the booko...just what I could glean from around here) I understand the purpose of using soil for the bottom layer of substrate. I have seen it recommended to use potting soil WITHOUT added ferts, etc. However, I cannot find a commerical potting soil in my area that doesn't have anything added to it.

Is there any problem in using collected soil as long as it's from an area where pesticides, ferts, etc. haven't been used? Would it still provide a decent amount of nutrients for plants, or do commercial mixes tend to be more abundant?

Thanks!

Phil Edwards · 02-21-2004, 05:40 AM

I prefer a cheap, sterile, potting mix without any fertilizers. It's easier to use and won't have any chemical salts leeching out like backyard dirt may. It's also got a better ratio of peat:"dirt" and it's the peat content that's important for stable decomposition and carbon production.

Best,
Phil

[img]/masthead-refined-mini.jpg[/img]

skylsdale · 02-21-2004, 06:23 AM

Thanks Phil. I guess I'll keep looking for a non-additive soil...

dwalstad · 02-21-2004, 07:30 AM

I'd agree with Phil. Also, I've used many brands of potting soil and they've all worked. Today on picture gallery, I 've put specs of my 45 gal display tank. Specs include the ingredients of the potting soil I used.

Diana Walstad

skylsdale · 02-21-2004, 08:15 AM

Thanks Diana, I'll check out your specs on the soil mix (just checked the photo gallery and couldn't find them...will check later).

Kevin Jones · 02-21-2004, 08:45 AM

I used some generic potting soil, peat and kitty litter in a layered substrate in my 60 gallon cube, the nymphea zenkeri that is in there is sending up its 4th flower in 2 weeks, nuff said

skylsdale · 02-21-2004, 08:51 AM

Where are you all finding soil without any additives?! As I said earlier, my problem is that I can't find sterile soil ANYWHERE. ANy certain brands to look for?

Kevin Jones · 02-21-2004, 10:55 AM

It sounds kinda odd, but, the best potting soil I've found is the "no-name" brand you can get at a grocery or hardware store. The generic stuff lacks the perilite and other additives in my experience.

skylsdale · 02-21-2004, 11:26 AM

I just made a trip to Wal-Mart and got a bag of some generic soil that they've never had before. It might have some perlite in it, but I don't think so (haven't opened the bag yet). The list of ingredients is simple, with nothing out of the ordinary being listed--bark, soil, peat, etc.

FINALLLY!!!

I've also got a bag of sphagnum peat (not the moss...just peat) as well. Would it be beneficial to mix some of this into the soil?