How-To: Mineralized Soil Substrate, by Aaron Talbot - Page 51 - APC Library

k zeller · 12-05-2014, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronT

Results of spousal approval of using one's bathtub for such purposes may vary.

Scientifically speaking, it will work.

In my case the scientific part is all that I am concerned with

. thanks Aaron

k zeller · 12-05-2014, 01:20 PM

Aaron, your original post you were using 3M Colorquartz T-Grade Black Sand. I have found that this is no longer available? What are you using now a days?

AaronT · 12-05-2014, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k zeller

Aaron, your original post you were using 3M Colorquartz T-Grade Black Sand. I have found that this is no longer available? What are you using now a days?

Yes, that is true. It's such a bummer. It was and still is my favorite all time substrate choice.

I'm actually using Brightwell's cafe colored substrate right now. Our club did a group order and I wanted to try it out.

If I were to choose a cap for MTS now I would use Flourite Black. Not the sand, but the regular black one.

k zeller · 12-08-2014, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronT

Yes, that is true. It's such a bummer. It was and still is my favorite all time substrate choice.

I'm actually using Brightwell's cafe colored substrate right now. Our club did a group order and I wanted to try it out.

If I were to choose a cap for MTS now I would use Flourite Black. Not the sand, but the regular black one.

So it is safe to assume that this is what you would use for your skirt before putting the slurry mixture in as well correct?

AaronT · 12-08-2014, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k zeller

So it is safe to assume that this is what you would use for your skirt before putting the slurry mixture in as well correct?

Yes, and that step is really only for aesthetic reasons.

k zeller · 12-09-2014, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronT

Yes, and that step is really only for aesthetic reasons.

Why cant the black flourite sand be used if this is "more aesthetically pleasing" to the hobbyist desiring to use the MTS method (i.e. me for the moment)? Or can it and you recommend not for a reason that has yet to be explained....

k zeller · 12-09-2014, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronT

I'm actually using Brightwell's cafe colored substrate right now. Our club did a group order and I wanted to try it out.

If I were to choose a cap for MTS now I would use Flourite Black. Not the sand, but the regular black one.

Are you using strictly Brightwell or did I misunderstand and you are still doing MTS and capping with Brightwell? Sorry for all the short lame questions. Just trying to make sure I know what I am doing before I shoot myself in the foot and loose a bunch of new plants.

k zeller · 12-09-2014, 07:52 AM

AaronT I have another thread in the substrate forum. Would you be willing to give me a little insite as to how this may perform/not perform with your method. I would really appreciate it.

https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...rted-poll.html

AaronT · 12-09-2014, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k zeller

Are you using strictly Brightwell or did I misunderstand and you are still doing MTS and capping with Brightwell? Sorry for all the short lame questions. Just trying to make sure I know what I am doing before I shoot myself in the foot and loose a bunch of new plants.

It's pure Brightwell. Honestly, I'm wishing I had used MTS as the Crypts just don't do as well as I"m used to.

xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx · 12-09-2014, 08:22 PM

I love MTS as a substrate, combined with good lighting with decent PAR, and co2 nothing beats a beautiful planted tank with mineralized topsoil!!!

I'm currently debating on whether to go with MTS or Flourite when I set my 45 gallon long (48"x12"x19") back up. But as for right now I'm with MTS for my 30 gallon (36"x12"x19") rebuild, which was tore down because the stand started leaning back, which means it needs reinforced and that'll happen starting tomorrow and through the weekend.