How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot - Page 4 - Library

Castaic Fisherman · 07-31-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erijnal

Has anyone used a non-inert substrate to cap off the mineralized soil?

For example, let's say you use AquaSoil, or Eco-Complete, or Fluorite as the substrate cap. Would this lead to never-ending algae woes?

I'm using Flourite Black Sand as a cap since I already had some on-hand. I'm waiting on my plants to arrive so I can see how everything works out.

Castaic Fisherman · 07-31-2008, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldjake

looks great i have a 50 gl tank just getting things for it, how much clay to mix with the soil, thanks

I ended up with a mix of 2 lbs montmorillite clay and about 6 lbs of soil. I'm heavier in clay than the recipe but it should work fine. I'll know in about one week when my plants arrive. BTW, I used about 1/2 of the mix for my 12 gallon tank.

torpedobarb · 08-14-2008, 07:54 PM

I am going to have to take a stab at this soon.. like I said in the other thread.. I am totally inspired to do this. great article Aaron

AaronT · 08-14-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torpedobarb

I am going to have to take a stab at this soon.. like I said in the other thread.. I am totally inspired to do this. great article Aaron

Thanks.

Let me know if you need any help along the way.

torpedobarb · 08-27-2008, 07:55 PM

hey Aaron... can you give me a link to where you got your clay and potash? the others I can find locally. I started the mineralizing process of the soil. I have 2 bags of soil soaking for the second time in 2 separate containers. I mixed the soil up well breaking up all of the large balls of dirt prior to adding the water. I mixed it up good when I added the water as to make it all saturated. for my 75 gallon.. how many lbs of top soil should I need? TIA Ken

cah925 · 08-29-2008, 02:16 PM

I'm having trouble finding dolomite. Is this a necessary ingredient, is there a substitute? I've tried several aquatic/marine stores/websites and can't find it.

hooha · 08-29-2008, 08:53 PM

Aaron is away on vacation, but I can try to help you guys out in the meantime until he gets back

If you can find crushed coral, you can crush it more and use that as the source of Calcium carbonate (i.e. dolomite).

Aaron found all his stuff locally iirc, but he may have links for possible places when he gets back. For a 75 gallon tank, mineralizing a 40lb bag of topsoil would be a good start.

torpedobarb · 08-30-2008, 05:51 AM

I have started to mineralize 2 40lb bags as of now. I will have to get some of the crushed coral as well. thanks for the help!

AaronT · 09-01-2008, 06:42 AM

Hey folks. I'm back from the beach. Send me a PM and I can help you out with the materials to get you started. I've still got a pretty good supply.

bpimm · 09-01-2008, 07:39 AM

Aaron,

What do you see as the difference between your process and just using topsoil dug up from the yard? the rain wets the soil and the sun dries it repeatedly. Just curious I have always used topsoil in my tanks for the last 20 years but this process sounds interesting and I'm going to try it soon.

Also on the need for added K, What about finding a source of potash still in a large chunk, place it in the tank and let it slowly dissolve? It may take a few tries to get the right amount. I have always shrived to have tanks that do not need to be messed with on a regular basis, That's why I have never dosed ferts in a tank, I know I will skip them and the tank will crash.

Brian