Markalot

Howdy, first post here.

I'm re-doing a 10 gallon with Tahitian Moon Sand to try out the dw method. I have the book, just started reading it.

I'm not in a rush to finish the tank, all the fish have moved into a larger 46 gallon and I want to do this thing right and get some lush plant growth before I think about adding any new, small, occupants.

My questions:

For top soil I have a, 89 cent bag of Lowes generic top soil (blue and white bag). Will this be ok?

It appears, via searching older threads, that I can't use the sand. Does anyone have any ideas for a dark black or near black substrate that will work well over the top soil?

Thanks!

Mark

01krisp10

The one most used is called Caribsea Eco Complete for the Planted Aquarium. It is iron fortified, etc. I made my gravel with a mix of natural gravel and some black stuff from Petsmart (not shinny like most black substrate). Many people have been successful with Eco Complete.