bettaowner
Aquarium Advice Addict
I'm helping my cousin set up a 5 gallon planted tank and for the substrate I'm thinking about using potting soil. What are some tips or advice you can offer regarding the use of soil or dirt in a planted tank?
Rinsing and draining will just make mud and you will lose all the dirt. The main reason for using dirt is that it adds nutrients for the plants. You want that fertilizer.avoid any soil with fertilizers. Even if you have something like Miracle Grow Organic be sure to rinse and drain a few times as well as remove large pieces Enjoy!
http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-O...iption_secondary_view_pageState_1433958881810My understanding when setting up El Natural or Walstad tank with soil is to use organic or top soil without added commercial fertilizers. When using soil with ferts there is a high risk of algae. I have setup several "dirt" tanks in this way and I had algae only when using MGrow Organic without culling large pieces and rinsing (carefully, as you are correct you can lose the dirt you want When using top soil without added ferts - no algae. The nutrients are still in the soil regardless of no added commercial ferts. The mud is fine and is then "pillowed" in the substrate gravel that is up along the sides and caps it on top