TrueDeep

I am hoping to greatly improve my planted aquaria, and realise that to do this I will have to change the substrate in my tank. I currently have fine sand, and although my plants don't seem to do too badly with this I am really looking to start growing Glosso and Riccia. I have been reading up on various substrates and have had thoughts on trying aqua soil, as it seems a very nutrient rich substrate and I read that it can also produce levels of CO2. I am able to get hold of Pond aquatic soil, and wondered whether this type would contain any chemicals or treatments, or if I should be buying specific soil for aquariums. I also wondered how it may affect water parameters, and how you go about putting soil in the aquarium, how long it takes to settle / stop colouring the water etc. I had thought to mix the soil with a layer of sand, as a combination of substrates seems to be recommended. Any advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated as I think changing the substrate is the first step to improving my aquarium!

My tank is 47"x22"x20"
4x Flourescent tubes
No CO2 as yet
Fish- Community, several Discus and a number of fancy plecos.

ShaneSmith

I would suggest Flourite or something like Turface for the first tank. Real soils can be tricky and usually must be capped with gravel.

little worm on a big hook

not all aquatic soil is "dirt". schultz aquatic soil is like little gravel and is working well in my 20 long capped with pool filter sand as it has a tendency to float from being so light. the schultz can be bought at wal-mart in the pond section. works real well at producing root structure IME.

Raul-7

Since your in the UK, why not use JBL Aquabasis or Sera Floradepot...they're both great products.