Quote:
Originally Posted by Diana K  1. Nitrifying bacteria and plants do compete for nitrogen, but do not worry about it. The plants will grab all they can, and the bacteria will remove whatever ammonia is left, and the plants will then use nitrogen as nitrates. You WANT these bacteria to live, it is part of the balance you are setting up in your tank.
2. Yup! So you can add tablet fertilizers to the soil, or water column ferts. A soil with a high CEC is good with either. The fertilizers from any source will get in there, just like a checking account for the plants. It will hold the fertilizer available until the plants need it. Fish food may not provide all that is needed, in enough quantity, unless you overfeed your fish so much they can get sick. This is one of the benefits of using a natural soil instead of potting mix. A good soil will have a lot higher level of many fertilizers, and the supply will last longer.
3. Sure can. I would rinse well so no egg remains, just the shell. Break it up really fine for faster effects, but it will all disintegrate sooner, break it up coarser for lighter effects over a longer time. Oystershell grit sold for caged birds and coral sand are the two sources I have used. |
Thanks for that, Diana. When you say 'natural soil' vs 'potting mix' you loose me there - I thought potting mix with no added ferts (John Innes, perhaps) was the best and easiest option unless you know exactly what you are doing...
Regarding the oyster/egg shells, what is their function within the substrate? - I have seen it recommeded, but no reason given for it!
Also, another point I forgot to include in my original posting: would you recommend using clean fine sand (beach sand, basically) instead of the usual fine gravel for the top layer, would it have any disadvantages that you know of?