Preferred Soil To Use In Dirted Tank?

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Ghillie115

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Jul 21, 2016
Messages
31
Location
NY
So I want to start getting my feet wet with dirted tanks on a 5.5 gal that currently sits in the corner of my room with nothing substantial in it. I have done some research and people keep recommending Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix:

https://www.miraclegro.com/en-us/products/soils-amendments/miracle-gro-organic-choice-potting-mix

However, I cant find it in stock anywhere. I dont know if this is just because of supply issues due to the corona virus or they seriously discontinued selling it. So I wanted to know what other organic soils I should be looking at to get this tank started?
 
I’ve just used any soil I could get. I’ve found ones with mulch tend to get a lot of stuff floating and also I’ve skipped the ones with wetting agents, etc added.
 
I’ve just used any soil I could get. I’ve found ones with mulch tend to get a lot of stuff floating and also I’ve skipped the ones with wetting agents, etc added.

Any specific brands or nah
 
Any specific brands or nah



Over in Aus unfortunately - just clay based soil ones. Maybe try a few small bags to test. I wanted something that settled fairly well and mostly stayed put when trimming plants.

Seachem clarity I thought useful as well. Sometimes had the tank like pea-soup but seemed to help clear it in a day or two.
 
Alright so here’s my take. I had two dirted tanks that I sold plants out of. Honestly, it was a nightmare. You have to completely strain the soil to get all the rocks, sticks and fertilizer out which takes forever.

If you plan to have fish in there I wouldn’t recommend it at all. Anytime your fish disrupt the substrate it could kick up the dirt and ruin your water. When planting anything dirt goes everywhere.

Personally, I don’t think it’s even worth it. They make such high quality substrate now for tanks and liquid ferts give you all that’s missing.

Just my opinion thought I’d share. Good luck!
 
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