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topsoil
what do you think of using topsoil under the gravel in my planted tanks, do
you use it as well? |
#2
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topsoil
mark wrote:
what do you think of using topsoil under the gravel in my planted tanks, do you use it as well? Some folks do. I tried it when I set up my first planted tank. It was a disaster. If you ever need to move a plant or replant a plant, or if you have a pleco or cichlid that likes to dig, your soil ends up as the top layer: on top of your gravel, your water surface, your plant leaves, inside your filter, everywhere. I'm 18 months into planted aquaria, and I still move and replant plants weekly. Soil ain't for me. |
#3
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topsoil
thx
"Dave Millman" wrote in message ... mark wrote: what do you think of using topsoil under the gravel in my planted tanks, do you use it as well? Some folks do. I tried it when I set up my first planted tank. It was a disaster. If you ever need to move a plant or replant a plant, or if you have a pleco or cichlid that likes to dig, your soil ends up as the top layer: on top of your gravel, your water surface, your plant leaves, inside your filter, everywhere. I'm 18 months into planted aquaria, and I still move and replant plants weekly. Soil ain't for me. |
#4
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topsoil
Soil ain't for me.
Ahh, but soil could be for you! I have the same affinity for redecorating my plants, my largest tank has not been up very long (a few months) so I'm still trying to figure out the best layout. I have heavy root feeders (all Echinodorus sp. tank.. so all swordplants) and this is what I did. 1) I used clear 6 oz. plastic party cups available at a grocery store. Cut them down to about 2" or so so that you won't have issues with the plastic poking out of the gravel. 2) Bake an amount of topsoil that you have rinsed out to remove plant matter at 350F until dry and crumbly, about 30 minutes for me, the consistency of your soil will determine how long it takes, we have a very high clay content in my area. Sandier soil will take less time, silty soils will take about the same and very clayey soils will take a bit longer. Just be sure to check on it. 3) Take your little plastic saucers and hold your plant in the desired position and add soil about halfway up the saucer, be sure to cover the roots. Wet the soil with some tank water and add more if necessary. 4) Use some clean, non aragonite (coral) sand, that is moist to the touch and fill the rest of the saucer with it. Don't be alarmed if you get some dirty water on top of the sand. Simply use a paper towel to soak up the excess water. Works like a charm. 5) Take your finished product and carefully put it in the tank. I have done this whole procedure with 40+ plants and never had a problem with getting soil in the water column of my tank. Just take it easy the first time.. your biggest threat is to let the water rush in to the saucer/cup too quickly, displacing the sand and allowing the soil to creep out. 6) Be sure to cover the saucer/sand so that it isn't obvious in your layout, you can use your tank's gravel as a top layer if need be, I happen to use all sand in my tanks. 7) Sit back, relax, and enjoy the growth. Note that this whole process works best with swordplants and other heavy root feeders. This is also a good way to isolate root tablets like Jobes sticks so that you always know where the sticks are in case you need to take them out. Downsides of this idea? Reduced flow to the roots of the plants (possibly) and reduced area for the plants root system to spread. So far I haven't seen this impact anything too horribly though. It also serves as a nice way to contain chain plants like Sagittaria and E. tenellus, E. quadricostatus. Just an idea, something to think about. Sarah |
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