DIY potting soil substrate for a planted tank

Dash I think we must give up boet, subtlety is not one of my strong points and the point seems to be going over this characters head.

 

Ok then. We will now get back to the point of the thread. Per ogress on my potting soil substrate

 

So the tank it self is it a DIY ... it has some extensive bracing for the size - and they run all the way, end-to-end. But I do like the black silicone - it frames the tank. also the cake-like texture of the dark layer of potting soil and the whiter icing sugar of the sand really does work, well for me. Should the silicone look fade I have successfully add a thin layer of ADA or shop bought substrate and mixed it into the top 1cm of silica to create a darker substrate if needed. All depends on the amount of light and plants that you want to plant here.

Later Ferdie

 

Oh I know exactly what you meant I just prefer not to go down to your level because you will beat me with experience. I would rather enjoy chatting on a forum about a hobby I enjoy practising.

 

@f-fish: What does mixing ADA substrate with silica sand achieve other than changing the look does it increase the substrates "nutritional value"?

 

aesthetics mostly, but HC and now moss did respond better to the mix.

 

Don't you get it man... Or, did you not read my post about the purpose of this thread. Get over your self and stop trying to have the last say. It is becoming rather annoying

 

@f-fish: Wait can you grow moss on substrate? I was under the impression if you don't have enough current it becomes a dirt trap.

 

Hi f-fish it's not a diy tank. Thanks for the advice on the ADA. It is really appreciated

 

Pity, I like DIY tanks - esp when I get to do them twice because the first was ja -well.

This is a pic of a substrate that started it's life as silica only - most prominent red jasper, ADA aqua soil and the silica (various sizes over the years).




You really can do so much more if you are willing to experiment - I recall loads of theories that ADA will never last when mixed with other harder substrates. Maybe I am just luck - or it is because I no longer use a gravel vac.

Later Ferdie

 

Very nice.

 

Ok, we are back on track. Decided to fill the tank up tonight. After leaving the soil to soak for a good few days and, adding the cap it was time. I must admit I was expecting the water to be a bit cloudy as the gravel was a bit dusty. I sprayed it first with a little bit of water hoping that the dust will settle when filled.

I then took a bucket lid and placed it at the bottom to protect the substrate. I then started the long filling process. Here are the results.

 

Nice n clear!

 

I was very surprised as well however I know why they say soak the soil for a while.

 

aren't you supposed to plant the plants first before filling? because if you plant now, you going to mess up the water etc.

 

@Chongkie: Yeah planting first then filling is prefered that way everything is settled by the time you add the water, it becomes a muddy mess when you start planting especially if you are planting plants with heavy root systems. It literally turns into a muddy mess.

 

Correct guys. Going to drain and then plant then fill again.

 

Wow, but for your first fill, the water is like crystal clear... i thought the potting soil will leach tannis.

 

I soaked the soil for a long time and added a thick cap.

 

@dash shot for a lekker afternoon bru!!! Gues what ive been doing for the last 3 hours ;-)