xpistalpetex

could i use Schultz 10 Lb. Aquatic Plant Soil top of generic potting soil, i am asking because i have good experience with the schultz

Sterling919

I'm interested in this topic, so I am bumping it up with hopes that someone will continue...

xpistalpetex

would be nice to have more members do a step by step process

Rattail

Sorry, but I'm too lazy to redo what's already been done. Go read my journal (very detailed) here... http://www.apsa.co.za/Forum/index.php?topic=342.0
I stopped posting long ago, but my aquarium is still up and running with ZERO maintenance. I don't clean the filter, and I only top up the water when the levels drops (once in 6 months?) Oh yes, and the light tubes are almost 2 years old.

I also have 2 tanks outside with no heater, filter, or lights that I set up in exactly the same way. I have eleocharis parvula growing quite well in there - despite everyone saying that one needs light and co2 and a heater to do so. hahaha!!!

For those tanks, please go look here... http://www.apsa.co.za/Forum/index.php?topic=1719.0.

The secret with successfully doing an el natural tank is use natural soil, natural gravel, loads of plants and then DON'T MESS WITH IT!! Let it evolve naturally.

The proof is in the pudding. (my photos)
cheers!

plantblr

Hi all,

How much soil (In kilos/kgs) would I need to cover 1.5" at the bottom with a tank dimension of 42"x18"x18" ?

dwalstad

I use about 1 gal of soil/sq. foot for a 1" layer of moist soil. I assume that your tank bottom is 42" X 18" or 3.5 ft X 1.5 ft. AND 3.5 ft X 1.5 ft = 5.3 square feet, which means you need about 5 gal of soil.

To convert to liters: 5.3 gal X 3.8 liters/gal = 20 liters soil

Soils will have a different weight depending on how moist they are or how much sand they contain. Therefore, I would base my final calculations on volume for measuring how much soil to use, not weight.

The easiest thing to do is just stick a 1 inch layer of moist soil on the tank bottom. Doesn't have to be exact.

plantblr

Thanks Diana.You r a star as usual in your replies .
Its really difficult to find the cheap kind of potting soil with no fertilizers in my area.
Now,my question is......Can I use the soil that i dig from the forest floor near my house.I found its moist & rich in decayed leaves.Its Black in colour.I thought I'll mix some Laterite & sand in it & then use it.Any advice & suggestions are welcome.

Many thanks
Ravi

dwalstad

The soil sounds perfect! With the decayed leaf matter, Cryptocoryne will probably love it.

I would not mix the laterite with the soil. Either leave the laterite out entirely or just put it on the bottom glass and then add the 1 inch layer of soil.

You can cover the soil with a very thin layer of sand and or the standard 1 inch of small gravel. I'm not sure that you really need to mix sand with this soil.

plantblr

Perfect Diana.......You are a Star again.
So,now my project is tear down the existing set up & reset it up.Probably i'll take time to it.But sure will post the pictures for all the help I have had here

Many thanks,
Ravi

angel4

I am preparing 2 tanks. One tank with 2 inches top soil from Home Depot at the bottom and 1 inch sand on top. The other tank with 2 inches top soil and 1 in gravel.
The tank with sand looks ok until I had to dig up the sand a little and expose the soil to the water. The water gets very cloudy with a brown color.

The tank with gravel has brown water without much disturbance, I suppose the coarse grain of the gravel allows the water to get to the soil.

I ran a canister filter for 2 days but it does not clear the water much.
Any suggestions? Thanks.