How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot - Page 22 - Library

anrich · 06-18-2010, 09:16 AM

question? How well do fish cope with a new tank with Mineralized Soil Substrate?

**davemonkey** · 06-18-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anrich

question? How well do fish cope with a new tank with Mineralized Soil Substrate?

It depends on how well you plant from the start. If you start off heavily planted, the plants will use whatever ammonia is released rapidly (assuming your lighting is decent). If you start off with very sparse planting, your fish may suffer.

default user · 06-19-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustLikeAPill

Hello! I live in georgia and was wondering if I can use the red Georgia clay that is so prevalent in this area? This is the kind of clay that makes our rivers turn red when it rains and will stain your clothes orange.

Can I use only Georgia clay since I wouldn't be using the type of clay you use for pottery? I would just be digging it up from the yard. Could I get away with only a 1/4 inch layer of pure ga clay with 2 inches of fluorite over that?

I tried using the type of red clay we have here in FL and it just turned into an orange mess. Maybe I wasn't doing something right, but when I mixed it with water it all pretty much stayed suspended in the water until you let sit for awhile then the slightest movement of the water would stir it all up again. It doesn't seem to be the type of clay the the pottery stuff is more silty dirt clay. But then again thats the FL clay i used from my yard.

You could always go through the process then test a small amount out and see what happens.

JustLikeAPill · 06-19-2010, 07:05 PM

I'm sure it's the same or almost the same stuff. I was thinking of just using a small amount, like a quarter of an inch covered by two inches of fluorite.

How many inches of substrate did you top it with, and how deep was your layer or clay?

cheddar254 · 06-29-2010, 02:27 AM

hi guys just a quick question, please respond quickly. I bought some $6 clay for my 16 gallon fish tank which i am going to be converting into a mineralized topsoil tank with plants. here are some pics of the clay please tell me if its suitable, because it doesnt mention ingredients on the back( high iron content ) and i put it in the oven to bake abit as i am going to crush it then put it in. thanks alot

package
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...9062010235.jpg

actual clay
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...9062010236.jpg

**AaronT** · 09-05-2010, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustLikeAPill

I'm sure it's the same or almost the same stuff. I was thinking of just using a small amount, like a quarter of an inch covered by two inches of fluorite.

How many inches of substrate did you top it with, and how deep was your layer or clay?

I wouldn't use just clay as the soil layer. The mineralized soil layer should be about 90% soil and 10% clay. Using too much of any type of clay will result in a cloudy mess.

aman74 · 09-11-2010, 06:46 PM

This article: http://amania.110mb.com/Chapters/Tec...asoils_en.html

States not to use KCI (muritate of potash) in the soil as it kills bacteria.

Not saying that's the case as there are many articles and much info on the web that often conflicts, but the article is quite in depth and I thought it worthy of discussion.

What forms of potassium are available to plants via soil? K+ is not, correct?

HeyPK · 09-11-2010, 08:17 PM

I don't see the point in trying to keep all the minerals in the soil. Plants can take all the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) quite efficiently from the water column.

slobodan · 09-19-2010, 09:30 AM

I would like to thank Aaron and Diane K and of course other members on contribution to this topic.
I'm in the process of setting up 120 gal. Amazon theme and going to try this approach.

Wondering if Kril is still around and any progress on his approach..

slobodan · 09-21-2010, 09:05 AM

Anyone tried FaFard Water Garden soil? Just asking..