How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot - Page 26 - APC Library

dude26212 · 12-13-2010, 05:28 PM

i cant really get ahold of any potters clay due to the only craft shop in the area being hobby lobby and all they had were synthetic clays. but due to some local construction on drainage ditches there is some very dark red dirt. will this work as an alternitive and what if anything do i have to do to it to make it useful and safe?

AaronT · 12-13-2010, 06:07 PM

It might. Of course, you could always order some pottery clay online too.

dude26212 · 12-16-2010, 02:06 PM

thank you tho another question is since the weather hasnt been very friendly lately ive ended up doin several rinses tho only one complete dry, i was wondering if drying and soaking it completely is needed any more, could i just keep it damp and constantly stir and turn it to make sure it is completely oxygenated? would this mineralize it or is the complete soak needed for more then dissolveing fertilizers and what not?

plantblr · 12-22-2010, 04:24 AM

Hello Aron,

I'am from Bangalore,India & have had NPT's for almost 4 years now. Since I read this thread of "Mineralizing Soil", I'am a bit curious to try this out. My only question is with the last part of the process where the slush of the mineralized soil is poured in to the tank.As another member here raised the concern of the top layer substrate sinking into the slush,even I have the same concern.So is it ok to add the mineralized soil as dry powder & then cover it with the top layer substrate of my choice?

Many thanks,
Ravi

AaronT · 12-22-2010, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plantblr

Hello Aron,

I'am from Bangalore,India & have had NPT's for almost 4 years now. Since I read this thread of "Mineralizing Soil", I'am a bit curious to try this out. My only question is with the last part of the process where the slush of the mineralized soil is poured in to the tank.As another member here raised the concern of the top layer substrate sinking into the slush,even I have the same concern.So is it ok to add the mineralized soil as dry powder & then cover it with the top layer substrate of my choice?

Many thanks,
Ravi

Ravi,

I find it a lot easier to add it wet. I've done it both ways and adding it dry is actually messier because the particles are so fine it takes a while for it to saturate and you get a lot of gas bubbles in the substrate. Trust me that the gravel will not sink into the mud.

-Aaron

plantblr · 12-23-2010, 01:14 AM

Thanks for that Aaron. Your last line - "Trust me that the gravel will not sink into the mud." convinced me to give it a try

. Thanks once again. Will keep things posted.

Thanks,
Ravi.

Adilson B. · 12-29-2010, 08:54 PM

Great article!

It´s not hard to make it!

The step by step is very simple!

Thanks for share it!

Lauder · 01-02-2011, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cah925

I'm having trouble finding dolomite. Is this a necessary ingredient, is there a substitute? I've tried several aquatic/marine stores/websites and can't find it.

The vitamin shoppe carrys dolomite pills. Vegetarians take them for a supplement. Just put them in a grinder to make them into a powder.

darkoon · 01-05-2011, 08:11 PM

instead of using Clay, Dolomite and Muriate of Potash, can we substitute with Iron powder, CaCO3, MgSO4 and K2SO4?

Lizzz · 01-09-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkoon

instead of using Clay, Dolomite and Muriate of Potash, can we substitute with Iron powder, CaCO3, MgSO4 and K2SO4?

You can't substitute the clay, it's being used not only for the iron content but it flocculating ability. As far as the other substations, I know the dolomite should be the crystal form, and the potash I purchased is potassium chloride derivative, as apposed to sulfate. Thats as far as my chemistry skills though, so I'm not sure if that effects anything.