AaronT

I know of MS tanks that are 20 years old and still growing plants well. It seems potassium is the limiting nutrient. Dosing it after water changes seems to work well for me.

kaaayd

Ok. I began the process a few days ago. I wasn't thinking about pollen/seeds falling when I started, but that's whats happening now. Will this ruin my soil? I'm only on the first drying cycle.

Doing this indoors is just not possible for me. If the pollen is a problem, can I fill the tank when the soil is ready, then fill with water and drain it a few times to remove it or something? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

Michael

The same thing has happened to me and the pollen caused no problems.

AaronT

Agreed. Just skim off what you can. If you do the sifting of the soil when it's done it gets out any big chunks of sticks, leaves, etc... that are left.

kaaayd

Nice. Thanks for the reply guys!

Krios

I registered here since I saw this to be a very intersting topic.

My tank has a footprint of 29"x11". I want 1" MTS and 1.5" cap.

I've got a few questions for Aaron or anyone knowledgable about MTS. Some may seem stupid/trivial but I just want to be sure.

1. Approximately how much unmineralized topsoil should I need? I would appreciate it if you could answer in lbs. I live in the tropical areas of Asia and we have a fairly big backyard and a couple of compost mounds(not pits) where we throw away biodegradable kitchen wastes(fruits, veggies) and leaves. I could use the soil underneath the compost, right?

2. Can I use river sand as my cap? Please give me an estimate(also in lbs) of the amount i need for capping and bordering.

3. What is the average particle size of the 3M colorquartz you used?

4. Can I soak the soil in a bucket instead of a rectangular container?

5. I do not have any dolomite source so can I use crushed corals instead?

6. When planting, do I stick the plants down to the MTS or just the gravel?

7. You said something about dosing K after every water change. Is this KCL like the one sprinkled on the tank bottom or is this something else?

AaronT

I'm glad you liked the article. You don't need to use deeper than 3/4" layer of MTS.

1. It depends a little bit. Don't use the compost. You want dirt like in your yard. Probably about 20 lbs. is enough to start.

2. Yes, you can use river sand. Probably another 20 lbs.

3. The 3M sand I used (it's no longer made here ) was about 2-3mm in diameter.

4. yes

5. just go without it

6. plant them as they should be planted. Rosette plants should be planted with roots only the substrate. Stems should be planted as far down as you like.

7. No, dose K2SO4 (potassium sulfate) in the water. Do not do this until you notice the plants begin to need it. They will start to look pale after several months.

Krios

Thanks a LOT!

Now I'll be on my way to switching from plain crap gravel to MTS.

Another question:
Will MTS go together well with Diana Walstad's method?

AaronT

No, they are different.

Krios

Can I use humus?