Red Clay for Iron

[Aqualady40]

Hi I purchased some clay today and would like to know if this is safe? If so, how do I make the spikes everyone talks about to push in substrate? I currently use Osmocote Plus for my root tabs.

 

[Old Scales]

Is your clay in chunks or is it loose powder?

 

[molly100a]

If it's the correct clay just roll it to make a long tube, I cut it into 1 or 2 inch lengths, let them dry for a couple of days and then push them into the substrate. I put one under each plant. Especially swords, repens, crypts or any other root feeder. I have also sprinkled osmocote into the clay, then roll into tubes. It will work with or without the osmocote. Just make sure you push them deep enough otherwise the clay will dissolve into the water column.

 

[aqua_chem]

First question would be: Is it synthetic clay or natural clay?

 

[Aqualady40]

Oh my...I thought I put the link to the one I got ...sorry....Amaco Mexican Pottery Clay - BLICK art materials

 

[flitabout]

I personally wouldn't use it. This would be what I would use. Axner Pottery Supply - Red Clays The other doesn't need fired to harden and when it dries apparently becomes toxic.

 

[Aqualady40]

Anyone else?

 

[molly100a]

I use the Amaco Mexican Pottery clay, the same from Blick Art Supplies. Haven't had a problem and my root feeders grow great.

 

[Aqualady40]

I use the Amaco Mexican Pottery clay, the same from Blick Art Supplies. Haven't had a problem and my root feeders grow great.

What do I do to make it into spikes? I never bought clay before so I don't know much of anything about it. If you don't mind, will you explain step-by-step

 

[aqua_chem]

I believe most of the air hardening clays are polymer clays (although I'm not an expert on the matter). I think you'll want to try to stick to natural clays that need to be kiln fired to solidify.

 

[molly100a]

the clay comes soft in a bag, take a clump out, kneed it into what shape you want and let it dry

 

[Aqualady40]

Does anyone know how I can tell if my red clay is natural clay and not polymeyer?
Here's the link again to the one I have...Amaco Mexican Pottery Clay - BLICK art materials

 

[Aqualady40]

What are some "SAFE" clays to use? Post link also please.

 

[molly100a]

I use the same clay as you do and am interested in knowing. My plants are doing great though.

 

[Aqualady40]

I use the same clay as you do and am interested in knowing. My plants are doing great though.

It seems like so many "mixed" views, that it seems like I may be on my own which way I go....no one has advice on which clay "brands" are truly natural as of yet...hahha and the moment something "FAILS" everyone will have an "IMO" then....well Molly I hope some "knowledgeable" gurus will let us know soon....thanks in advance to anyone that does help steer me in the right direction..

 

[Aqualady40]

So, I decided to just return that box of clay and I purchased this one

Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Aqualady40's Album: Miscellaneous Pics - Picture

Any thoughts?

 

[Old Scales]

The all natural and the ASTM standard of non toxic means its food grade safe and should be safefor your fish. I've never used or even seen these clays you have been asking about, but I am familiar with ASTM standards. OS.

 

[aqua_chem]

If you don't mind my asking, why are you looking to add clay to your substrate?

 

[Aqualady40]

If you don't mind my asking, why are you looking to add clay to your substrate?

Iron.....

 

[Aqualady40]

bump..anyone