[DogFish2.0]

Use MTS/Sand cap

My best tricks:

Before I start I put a CD cover in one corner creating a triangle void space/

Then I add my MTS compressing it down until I have 2"
Then I add my 1" sand cap
I use a plate on the gravel to fill water 2"above the sand cap.

I take 20min coffee breakWhile the MTS gets saturated.

Next I take syphon hose place one end in that corner void space I created and I'm now able to remove water below the sand cap level.

Now I add hard scape and I plant the tank. Then fill the tank with water.

That void space is filled with only sand prior to removing the CD case cover.

I find this to be a very effective way to make an initial planting.