I have to think that Aquasoil is much convienent than dirt. All those water changes early on, the mess of rescaping, and tannins. Personally, I doubt I'll ever do dirt. But, Bill is right! Aquasoil is really not that much more expensive than any other commercial substrate. Eco at my petsmart is 20$ for 20lbs. AS is 30$ for 20 pounds, but with Aquasoil you're getting the best plant substrate on the market, an attractive substrate, and it also drops Ph and Kh. Where they really get you is shipping! Shipping is 2/3 of the AS itself. I think all in all, AS is a great investment. Bud is right though, it is much more economical.