DIY potting soil substrate for a planted tank

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

@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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Awsome Dash , keep it coming with the pics.

 

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:

 

I also use potting soil but no peat moss

 

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.

 

Started the tank yesterday

Will upload the rest tomorrow

 

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

 

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

 

Looks good so far what kind soil did use ?

 

Organic potting mix.