Should I go dirted?

[Alyxx]

So, I'm in the midst of setting up a 10 gallon betta tank. Originally the betta was supposed to be here tomorrow, but there was a mix up and the fish I bought was already sold and there is no fish to be sent to me. So it will be a while before I get a fish in the tank. I have some white sand coming into the LFS for it tomorrow, and since there isn't such a rush to get everything in now, I'm thinking about doing a dirted tank since I do want some plants in there. The thing is, I've never done a dirted tank before and I'm really not sure where to start. What kind of potting soil do I need? How thick should the soil layer be? I have some soil but I'm not sure if it will work. I'll take a picture of the bag tomorrow when there is light outside. Or should I just pick up some floramax when I get my sand tomorrow?

 

[MyanRan]

You need organic potting soil

 

[Berylla]

So, I'm in the midst of setting up a 10 gallon betta tank. Originally the betta was supposed to be here tomorrow, but there was a mix up and the fish I bought was already sold and there is no fish to be sent to me. So it will be a while before I get a fish in the tank. I have some white sand coming into the LFS for it tomorrow, and since there isn't such a rush to get everything in now, I'm thinking about doing a dirted tank since I do want some plants in there. The thing is, I've never done a dirted tank before and I'm really not sure where to start. What kind of potting soil do I need? How thick should the soil layer be? I have some soil but I'm not sure if it will work. I'll take a picture of the bag tomorrow when there is light outside. Or should I just pick up some floramax when I get my sand tomorrow?

It takes at least 3 weeks for a dirted tank to cycle. It goes through a very natural and fishless cycle and once the ammonia falls to 0, it's ready for fish.