Polly

Hi, I've been reading and learning about El Natural aquaria for the last few months now, have Diana Walstad's book on order and am planning on re-starting my current 125L as an El Natural Aquarium.

Please forgive me if this question has already been asked, I've searched the forum and can't find the answer.

My biggest problem is finding a soil that is suitable. I did buy a bag of Westland John Innes No 1 (for seedlings and potting young plants, but on further reading it seems that this may cause problems - no matter, if this is the case I can use it in the garden tubs.

Which brands/types of soil should I look for? - and where can I find them?
Does EVERY soil have to be soaked for weeks first?

I have fish and shrimps who will have to go back in the tank ASAP as I have only temporary accommodation for them.

Thank you for reading this and for any replies

JKUK

Hi Polly,

I've set up around a dozen tanks using John Innes No 1, 2 and even 3 and never had any problems with them. Having said that I wouldn't put shrimps in right away.

I like to soak the soil for two to four weeks, testing regularly for ammonia and nitrite before use.
After which its safe for just about anything.

Don't make the soil or gravel too deep, and add loads of fast growing stuff especially floaters.
This is a fantastic way of keeping an aquarium........good luck.

James

Polly

Thanks for that Your enthusiasm is catching

I won't be able to soak the soil for two weeks - I have nowhere to put the fish so I'm going to have to put them in and keep my fingers crossed but DW does mention leaving the soil out overnight to gass off any ammonia - now that I can do I'll be sifting out the big stuff anyway.

I was also thinking of putting cleaning from the filter into the soil layer too - would this help do you think?

I'll have one last look today for the MiracleGro Organic Choice that I've seen mentioned, someone in the UK must be selling it as it's available online and if I can't find it then I'll get the Arthur Bower's one. I've been reading Westland is a bit useless so it's going in the garden tubs.

Polly

I got the Miracle Gro Organic Choice!!!! hadn't been in that store before so I just took a chance - and there it was!! So I got 2 bags I'll see how this first tank goes and I've got a couple of nanos that I can set up better so they'll be next.


Can't wait for the plants to come in now - I'll sift thru the bag first and remove all the big bits and any snail eggs (seen on another thread) and it'll be all ready for the end of the week

This is scary but exciting too - the thought of putting soil in my aquarium is weird part of my brain is screaming NOOOOOO! while another part is saying yes, but look at the evidence, look at the beautiful aquariums and no CO2 injection