Spookyfish

I've been trying to learn as much as I can before trying to put together a NPT... Pretty soon here I plan on ordering Diana's book. I've tried ordering the book through my local bookstore only to be told they can't order it. Amazon, here I come.

Anyway, My question is: Should I or shouldn't I add crushed shell to the soil? I've been seeing on how-to's to add crushed shell to the soil base if the water is soft. Would my water be considered soft? My water straight from the tap tests as: ph 7.4 GH-3/KH-5 I have been using an API test kit to get my results. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

ianjones

if you are trying to get your water more acidic, i think substrate with peat in it does that. i dont know firsthand though. my water comes out of the tap 6.4 - 6.6 so the only peat ive used is in a few cups at the top for emergent plants.

Tex Gal

Your water is soft. Most plants like soft water. I would not add crushed shell.