10 gallon planted tank

[Loukas42]

Sweet that would be tight. And yeah I think I'll just do soil.

 

[Coursair]

Sweet that would be tight. And yeah I think I'll just do soil.

Organic Potting Soil, not just any dirt. Needs sand cap and you have to be careful if you move plants, loose soil in the water can cause an algae bloom.

 

[Loukas42]

So for a beginner like me, what would you recommend I use for substrate?

 

[Coursair]

I would say Eco Complete, or PFS or Tahitian Moon Sand or Blasting Sand.

I happen to like my black sand tanks
I have never had a dirt tank, tho many people love them. I've even heard of Kitty Litter under sand. You should get really good plant growth if you use soil. I just use Osmocote Plus caps under my sand for root ferts.

There are many good choices. Cheap sand is just easy to get and cheaper, but you'll need to fertilize more. So you have to decide what works for you and your budget and sanity

 

[Loukas42]

Well I would rather not have to fertilize more so would that mean dirt or soil then?

 

[Coursair]

With plants you will end up having to fertilize even with soil. Maybe within 6 months ???? I really don't know for sure, but any substrate will eventually run out of nutrients and you'll need to add stuff.

Organic Potting Soil, read up on it. You'll need to sift out any large chunks and cap it with some sort of sand.

 

[Loukas42]

Well I know I'd eventually do it, but I don't want to start doing it right away.