Substrate

[Ram lami]

Such ada soil,aqua soil are expensive. So how to make good DIY substarte using local soil n elements.

 

[Clayman]

Some people use inert substrate with root tabs for nutrients. All soil will eventually lose its nutrients so you have to supplement anyways. I like black diamond blasting sand and Eco complete. Some people use miracle grow organic potting soil with a sand or gravel cap. Some people use mineralized top soil. Look at all those options.

 

[Mattfinn]

As mentioned you can use inert substrates like sand and gravel and place root tabs (which you can get very cheaply by DIY) in them for nutrients. I personally recommend sand as a substrate as it's very cheap and visually appealing. This is my low tech 47L tank which has river sand which I liked as it was a mix of a darker grains and pea sized gravel.

Another option if you are into it is organic potting soil with a sand cap.

 

[Alasse]

I use unwashed propagating sand/ clay kitty litter, then top it with course river sand