DIY potting soil substrate for a planted tank

Never seen the worms.

So lets do a small experiment .... do it on small scale and see what the tank (bucket) looks like after running it for an hour.

Problem is the potting soil not the silica.

Later Ferdie

 

Ok. Can you clarify a little on how we should do this experiment?

 

Duplicate your tank in a bucket ... take some potting soil, cap it and then do exactly what you had in-mind for adding the aeration.

See if you like the result.

 

Hi guys.
Time for an update. Plants are growing very well. I am also doing good water changers on this tank and giving the substrate a good poke around.

 

looking good!!

 

Ok, did some poking around in the substrate tonight with my fingers. Pleased to let every one know that there were know bad smells and very little bubbles. The good thing is that the plant root system is slowly starting to develop oxygenating the substrate.

The only draw back with this is that I have to do a water change now as it can cloud the water very quickly.

 

@dash - The plants roots wont oxygenate the substrate. They absorb nutrients, and the substrate could compact around them. If that happens, they will start to rot. So just be cautious. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just saying be cautious. It will take time for the Substrate to go anaerobic. It will not happen overnight. But keep at it. I'm keen to see the results.

 

Thanks @Sean J
Have you ever checked out Dustin's fish tanks?

DustinsFishTanks.com- Planted Tanks Made Easy

Tell me what you think?

 

Seems like your plants are doing very well! The anaerobic takes a time to kick off since anaerobic bacteria takes makes longer to grow than aerobic bacteria. Keep checking the sand from time to time, but overall I like what you did. Well done!!!

 

@dash I must come and get a full tank shot one of these days

 

Just got some new plants from

Index of /

 

Looking good bru

 

+1

 

Hi guys update time. The plants are growing very well. Doing regular big water changes. Looks like they need a trim. Added a few platies and all is good. Sorry about the picture quality. Will take better ones tomorrow.

 

@ Dash, good stuff. I gotta try this soon

 

Very nice ... - so if this was an experiment I would say it passed with flying colours.

Good Job

 

Thanks guys so far so good. The important thing here is to continue with the regular water changes and, keep the soil oxygenated.

 

Hi Dash

How often do water changes have to be done and what amount of water, if you could also give some tips on how to prep the water before adding to the tank

Thanks

 

Looking like a jungle bru

 

Hi mate.

I do about 20% every 3 to 4 days. I use tap water treated with seachem prime or safe.