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

I have a question regarding Nitrate and phosphate readings in a tank with Mineralized soil. I have tested repeatedly since my cycle completed and both are at "0" and I expect will stay that way with no addition of ferts. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

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

There is no water flow through your soil, so the fertilizers are sequestered out of the water column. This makes for very happy roots, and typically sad algae.

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

So, how long should I expect to wait until I can see further than an inch into the tank? I can see a sepia spectrum and that is it. I suppose having fish in there didn't help matters much. Any advice?

I filled up the tank with the soil on friday, and after 2 water changes and very careful filling, it is terrible. The plants are looking a mess. The leaves are limp and a dark green brown colour. I tried to cap it with sand but I ran out of sand.

AHHG

Here is what it looks like: (only brown)
http://www.outbackphoto.com/workflow/wf_74/gradient.jpg

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

You can't use it without it being capped with sand... Mud puddles never quite settle out enough to be clear, and right now you're dealing with a mud puddle. Break it down and start over, make SURE your cap is complete from wall to wall before adding water.

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

I capped it with a lot of sand and it is almost cleared up now. Thanks for the help good sir!

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

Very interesting and informative read. This whole thread is gold dust to a noob like myself. Looking to setup my first planted tank in the next couple of weeks. Will definitely be trying this out

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

@AaronT and others.
Thank you very much for posting this howto it is a great source of reference for noobs like me.
I will try this method in a new tank I will be setting up shortly.

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

I am very interested in trying the mineralized soil approach. I have been to a nurseries and they don't stock topsoil. When I asked them for plain topsoil, they show me products that are labelled "Lawn Dressing". They assure me that this is the same as topsoil. I am not to sure ....
Is it in fact the same thing? Can I mineralize this and have the same results?
I am just scared of putting something in my tank that will negatively affect fish and plants.
TIA

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

Don't mean to sound stupid or anything, but in step 1, after you have added the water (the first time), you wait a day or two, then dump off the water, then add more water again. After adding water the second time, do you leave the 'mixture' again for another day or two before proceeding to step 2?
TIA

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

hey darryn,

good to see you here too :D

you can let it soak another day or two, it will leech out more the longer you let it soak.