How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot - Page 10 - APC Library

jaidexl · 04-18-2009, 06:53 AM

Knotty,

Quote:

Originally Posted by erijnal

Has anyone used a non-inert substrate to cap off the mineralized soil?

For example, let's say you use AquaSoil, or Eco-Complete, or Fluorite as the substrate cap. Would this lead to never-ending algae woes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronT

It shouldn't pose a problem. I have my 75 gallon tank setup with Flourite Dark as a substrate cap and another with Soil Master Select as a substrate cap.

I would just be sure to do lots of water changes in the first few weeks and use plenty of stems, nitrogen will probably be pouring out. Easy on the light, heavy CO2 if possible.

Knotty Bitz · 04-19-2009, 08:43 AM

Would it make sense if I did a little less mineralized soil, like 1/2 or 2/3 the recommended amount, then a layer of gravel, then aquasoil?

AaronT · 04-20-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty Bitz

Would it make sense if I did a little less mineralized soil, like 1/2 or 2/3 the recommended amount, then a layer of gravel, then aquasoil?

Why?

Knotty Bitz · 04-21-2009, 06:20 AM

I like the color of the aquasoil and if I use it I dont want to have to much nitrates, so I would cut back on the soil.

AaronT · 04-21-2009, 12:47 PM

Just use the Aquasoil then. The nitrates don't last long if you don't use the Powersand, which would be replaced by the mineralized soil in this case.

Knotty Bitz · 04-22-2009, 06:04 AM

Would it be a bad idea to use a layer of gravel. Im only doing it because aquasoil costs alot with shipping and everything.

AaronT · 04-22-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty Bitz

Would it be a bad idea to use a layer of gravel. Im only doing it because aquasoil costs alot with shipping and everything.

If your reasoning for using the Aquasoil is aesthetic then yes it is a bad idea. Over time the two gravels will mix together and won't be very attractive.

Knotty Bitz · 04-22-2009, 07:22 AM

Would eco-complete be a good substitute for the gravel?

AaronT · 04-22-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty Bitz

Would eco-complete be a good substitute for the gravel?

Sure, you can use any cap you like. Be forewarned that Eco Complete adds significant hardness to the water column.

disvegas · 04-22-2009, 05:40 PM

Aaron,

I've deicded to transform my bore-looking, bare bottom 150g discus tank into a planted one. And I would like to use your method for the mineralized soil as substrate for the plants. Is there a way to calculate the amount of topsoil/clay, say, per 10g? Thanks.

disvegas,