DIY potting soil substrate for a planted tank

Discussion in 'Anything DIY related' started by dash, Mar 31, 2014.

  1. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Thanks a lot man. This project is still running strong and requires trims every week
     
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  3. nuvijunkie

    nuvijunkie

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    You are most welcome. Any suggestions on what plants to get offhand for beginners? I need a few fast growing plants to dissolve ammonia etc. Where do you purchase your plants?
     
  4. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Well that depends on your substrate but, vallis and many of the ludwigia will be fine
     
  5. Firefly

    Firefly Pleco

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    Find a local pong and grab a handful of duckweed, the floating plant. It will multiply like crazy and should help with ammonia problems. That and hornwort
     
  6. nuvijunkie

    nuvijunkie

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    Thanks for that Mate... I still can't seem to find Japanese hair grass. Any ideas?
     
  7. Mike Roos

    Mike Roos

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    Hi @dash

    I have read the thread a few times and I must admit inspiring and a good job to you. How is the tank doing? Any problems or not?
    Will try this on a small tank to see how it goes.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  8. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Hi mate.

    Thanks for the kind words. The experiment was a fantastic success. The tank is running strong with know problems.

    Plants are thriving especially the heavy root feeders like amazon plants. Leaves even have to be cut as they make there way above the surface.

    If you are looking to grow plants then, I highly recommend this method.
     
  9. Mike Roos

    Mike Roos

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    @dash.. just one question, how do you clean your tank ? Do you siphon now and then like now that you have the fish inside., or does the plants absorb most of the ammonia and the plants use it as a fertilizer?
    What is your filtration on this?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  10. OP
    dash

    dash

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    I do a water change once a week. I have an internal filter on this tank.
     
  11. Mike Roos

    Mike Roos

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    Nice so no siphoning or like that? Quite interesting. By poking the surface is it just to aerate the gravel ? Once a week?Will be going out this afternoon to buy what I need.
     
  12. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Yes correct. Poking the substrate once a week keeps it oxygenated but as soon as you get some trumpet snails in and a stablished and, some heavy root feeders in it comes together nicely.

    Keep me posted on your project.
     
  13. twincam16

    twincam16 Nigelg

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    Awsome Dash , keep it coming with the pics.
     
  14. twincam16

    twincam16 Nigelg

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    Dash , Im already setup with the Peat, verm and potting mix. Will do the cap tonight as it has been sitting soaked for the second day now.

    Any plants for me as yet , will be in the area on Sunday :bigsmile:
     
  15. tanked72

    tanked72

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    I also use potting soil but no peat moss
     
  16. OP
    dash

    dash

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    hi mate. how is the tank going? can you post a picture? I am going to start another one soon in my brothers office will posts picks as soon as I get down to doing it.
     
  17. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Started the tank yesterday

    Will upload the rest tomorrow

    image-3501618133.jpg
     
  18. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Got the soil and the cap on today. Did the first fill.

    image-2222082683.jpg
     
  19. Ryno

    Ryno Kenaal baber

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    Cool. Quick tip. Dont add soil to the outer edge of the tank say keep it about 1cm from the sides. So you dont see the layers in the substrate
     
  20. tanked72

    tanked72

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    Looks good so far what kind soil did use ?
     
  21. OP
    dash

    dash

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    Organic potting mix.
     

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