Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for posting this article. I found it useful for setting up my 560l tank in April last year. Well, i do it a bit different... I have used some kind of clay soil mixed with the Aquaclay ground - Commercial inert substrate, some kind of volcanic gravel coated with clay.
I have used it as bottom layer with ADA Clear super and Bacter 100. I also add a thin layer of potting soil on top. After more then a year it is still good for growing plants. :wink:

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7210/5faoo8.th.jpg http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5475/5ezm8.th.jpg http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8775/4c1cw4.th.jpg

Cheers

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

hello Aaron
in step 1. you avoid peat moss and Vermiculite in topsoil.
but T2CHATTO setup ,use topsoil rich in peat moss: ( http://indianaquariumhobbyist.com/co...wtopic&t=11805 ) "Soilrite is a mixture of Canadian Peat Moss, Vermiculite and Solirite. Vermicules are kind of volcanic ash and famous for its very high ECE. "

why you avoid peat moss and Vermiculite ?

Gellert

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Thanks Aaron for this how-to! I am definitely interested in trying this out.

I have a question for those who have use this system for a long time. How long do the substrate last before the fertilizers in the soil need replenishing?

Thanks.

Max

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Hey aaron,

Looks like's I might try this on a low tech tank I'm setting up. Just a quick question though. If the soil I have already has iron in it, should I still mix in the clay? I know the clay serves a dual purpose as a binder and iron source. Here in HI, everywhere is covered in red dirt. I know that's from the iron oxide from the volcanic soil.

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Is there an exact science as to how much muriate of potash should be put down? What happens if you put down too much?

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Its definitely not an exact science as it very much depends on the components of the top soil you're using; which could range from rich substrate to nearly inert soil. In any case, the quantity of KCl to add is very little, and since it is added below the substrate it should be released slowly. It also depends on the type of plants and lighting you'll use and the ammount of nutrients you are going to be introducing in the form of fish food and/or ferts.

Experts, please correct me if i'm wrong!
Regards

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Ive used about 4 tblspoons of it in a 75 gallon. How is that?

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Ok so just a clarification on the use of the Dolomite. How would you determine if it is needed. I'm in Alberta Canada and our water comes out of the tap at about 7.4 - 7.8 PH does that mean that I wouldn't want to use the dolomite?

And the next question(s) when do you add fish into this cycle, do they need to be added from the start or after any algae bloom? Does the tank need to be planted heavily to start or does it matter?

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

Hello
I have tried a mineralized tank setup twice.
Both times I get gas bubbles from the substrate.
First tank was a 24 gallon with min. soil topped by Tahitian moon sand.
Finally the fish died so I had to dump everything.
The last tank was a spare 10 gallon cheapo from Wally land that had a
cracked bottom which I fixed with silicone.
I soaked and dried cheap potting soil about ten times, mixed in some tan colored clay,
put in crushed coral and Muriate of Potash, put the min soil in the tank
and topped it with plain sand. No fish this time-only plants.
For the past few days, I’ve been probing the substrate to release trapped gas.
Is the crushed coral the culprit? I cannot find Dolamite.

The plants are growing well and I’m only getting algae on the glass.
Thanks
Charles

Re: How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot
 

I should say that I am injecting DIY CO2 with a small HOB filter.
Charles