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

Hi Aaron,

I've read your entire thread and it's been very inspiring. My next tank is going to be using this method.

I have a few questions though:
I've just bought a bag of ordinary terracotta clay from an arts & crafts shop. I'm sure it's plain, ordinary clay but the colour is a bit paler (more yellowish) than the one in your first post. Do you think this is because of the lower iron content and if it is so, do you think it's still ok to use this clay? What do you think about refined clay, DAS clay or air-dried clay?

Thx heaps

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

The gray / yellowish clays are fine to use too. Good luck!

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

That's good then.

One more question, Aaron. Do I need to wait 1-2 days each time I re-soak the soil? Or is it ok just to introduce water to the soil, stir it around really well, then lay it out on the tarp straight away to dry?

Thx mate :)

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

Thank you for the very comprehensive article. I find the information very helpful.

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

Sorry I'm just responding now, this must have slipped past me.

The reason for the soaking phase is to "rinse" any fertilizers or pesticides or any other chemicals that might be present in the soil. If you're comfortable that those are in the soil you are using you can just wet the soil down again and let it dry. I would still stir it around a bit to make sure it all gets exposed to the air.

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

Thank you. I'm glad so many people are having success with it. :D

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

Could you have MTS in a tank with this substrate? Or is that a no no?

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

Sure, that shouldn't be a problem that I can see.

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

Hey, great thread!

Has anyone used Miracle Grow Organic Choice as the base for mineralized soil? Or does it just have too much organic material? The reason I ask is because I have a bag lying around and I'm cheap. :D

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

would it be ok to add aquasoil with this... Im only adding it cuz I like the amazonia color