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I'm putting together a 75 gallon freshwater planted tank setup with an
Oceanic tank. I bought the tank and custom cabinet at an auction, but there is no cover glass on the tank itself. I put in my own lighting setup in the tank cabinet, and was wondering what was the best thing to cover the water with. I have access to acrylic, or I can go buy standard hinged glass tops. Are there any concerns with light filtering if I use something besides glass? Also, how much space should I leave for air exchange from the water? I was thinking of leaving the back 1 inch uncovered, at least on one side, because I need to get my filter and heater lines in somewhere... Also, here is my setup so far...please let me know if you see any huge issues: 75 Gallon show tank 40 pounds of Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (about 2.5 inches deep) 60 pounds of inert gravel on top (1/2 to 1 inch deep) Some sort of nutrient balls to be installed with plants Fluval 404 filter 300W titanium heater 240W of lighting in 4 foot tubes (2 grow-lites, 2 daylights, 2 full spectrum lights) CO2 compressed setup coming soon with home-built in-line reactor Thanks! Tim - Planted Tank Newbie Replies to , please, or to the group ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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This wasn't the PVAS auction was it? "joe" wrote in message ... I'm putting together a 75 gallon freshwater planted tank setup with an Oceanic tank. I bought the tank and custom cabinet at an auction, but there is no cover glass on the tank itself. I put in my own lighting setup in the tank cabinet, and was wondering what was the best thing to cover the water with. I have access to acrylic, or I can go buy standard hinged glass tops. Are there any concerns with light filtering if I use something besides glass? Also, how much space should I leave for air exchange from the water? I was thinking of leaving the back 1 inch uncovered, at least on one side, because I need to get my filter and heater lines in somewhere... Also, here is my setup so far...please let me know if you see any huge issues: 75 Gallon show tank 40 pounds of Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (about 2.5 inches deep) 60 pounds of inert gravel on top (1/2 to 1 inch deep) Some sort of nutrient balls to be installed with plants Fluval 404 filter 300W titanium heater 240W of lighting in 4 foot tubes (2 grow-lites, 2 daylights, 2 full spectrum lights) CO2 compressed setup coming soon with home-built in-line reactor Thanks! Tim - Planted Tank Newbie Replies to , please, or to the group ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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I reccomend going with the standard glass tops. Acrylic / plexiglass will bow and get distorted. cover the water with. I have access to acrylic, or I can go buy standard hinged glass tops. Are there any concerns with light filtering if I use something besides glass? Also, how much space should I leave for air exchange from the water? I was thinking of leaving the back 1 1"- 2" is a reasonable amount of space. |
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Nope. I bought it at an auction through work, and got the tank and
custom wrap-around stand for $20. Can't beat that! Thanks for the feedback on the glass! Tim Ghazanfar Ghori wrote: This wasn't the PVAS auction was it? "joe" wrote in message ... I'm putting together a 75 gallon freshwater planted tank setup with an Oceanic tank. I bought the tank and custom cabinet at an auction, but there is no cover glass on the tank itself. I put in my own lighting setup in the tank cabinet, and was wondering what was the best thing to cover the water with. I have access to acrylic, or I can go buy standard hinged glass tops. Are there any concerns with light filtering if I use something besides glass? Also, how much space should I leave for air exchange from the water? I was thinking of leaving the back 1 inch uncovered, at least on one side, because I need to get my filter and heater lines in somewhere... Also, here is my setup so far...please let me know if you see any huge issues: 75 Gallon show tank 40 pounds of Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (about 2.5 inches deep) 60 pounds of inert gravel on top (1/2 to 1 inch deep) Some sort of nutrient balls to be installed with plants Fluval 404 filter 300W titanium heater 240W of lighting in 4 foot tubes (2 grow-lites, 2 daylights, 2 full spectrum lights) CO2 compressed setup coming soon with home-built in-line reactor Thanks! Tim - Planted Tank Newbie Replies to , please, or to the group ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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For your question on lighting... you could always go open-top if you
don't plan on having fishes which are prone to jumping. I think the open-top adds another dimension to the aquaria to enjoy, especially when plants produce flowers above the waterline. Otherwise you could have some tempered glass custom-cut at any glass places which offer it. At one time I was using a top, and had some glass cut for me. It wasn't cheap... a 2'x9"x1/2" tempered with a beveled edge cost me about sixty bucks, and I need two of them! (sizes approximate, I don't remember exact) Today they're sitting in my attic, lights hung from the ceiling. It's a much more appealing look. As for your setup, I strongly recommend you reconsider your choice of substrate. The fact that your are a self-proclaimed "Planted Tank Newbie" is the reason I suggest it. Soil substrates are best left to those who are more experienced with planted setups; and even then it's an arguable point at that! I would suggest either 100% flourite or a mix of flourite and gravel if money is a concern. After you get a few years of experience and lots of reading you can always re-visit the idea of a soil based substrate. This is especially true if you go 100% flourite instead of a mix because it will be easier to reuse with the soil later on. I've had a planted setup for about five years now... About a year ago I converted my substrate to flourite and soil (with heating cables). So far it's been a very positive experience -- but I'm glad I did not attempt a soil substrate with my first planted tank. Beleive me, it's not for the faint of heart! Best of luck :) Isaac joe wrote in message ... 75 Gallon show tank 40 pounds of Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (about 2.5 inches deep) 60 pounds of inert gravel on top (1/2 to 1 inch deep) Some sort of nutrient balls to be installed with plants Fluval 404 filter 300W titanium heater 240W of lighting in 4 foot tubes (2 grow-lites, 2 daylights, 2 full spectrum lights) CO2 compressed setup coming soon with home-built in-line reactor Thanks! Tim - Planted Tank Newbie Replies to , please, or to the group |
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zeek wrote:
As for your setup, I strongly recommend you reconsider your choice of substrate. The fact that your are a self-proclaimed "Planted Tank Newbie" is the reason I suggest it. Soil substrates are best left to those who are more experienced with planted setups; and even then it's an arguable point at that! I would suggest either 100% flourite or a mix of flourite and gravel if money is a concern. After you get a few years of experience and lots of reading you can always re-visit the idea of a soil based substrate. This is especially true if you go 100% flourite instead of a mix because it will be easier to reuse with the soil later on. I've had a planted setup for about five years now... About a year ago I converted my substrate to flourite and soil (with heating cables). So far it's been a very positive experience -- but I'm glad I did not attempt a soil substrate with my first planted tank. Beleive me, it's not for the faint of heart! Everyone listen to Zeek on this one. I've been into planted tanks for two years and I still would never repeat the soil mistake I made when starting out. Flourite is wonderful. |
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Zeek and Dave...
Everything I have read supported Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil as a good medium. It is nothing more than clay ground into a nice consistancy for plant roots. For every bad posting I found 10 good ones (and the bad ones were typically about water chemistry changes which were non-repeatable or the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top). My Profile under gravel mix seemed to be the most succesful and highly recommended conbination. As far as real 'potting soil' (dirt based stuff), I agree...not a good starter's choice. Now, if money wasn't an issue, I would have bought Flourite. I don't think anyone would disagree that it is the 'growing medium of choice'. I just need to keep my startup costs down. I am going to use Laterite balls for added nutrient support in the soil under the plants that require it, and of course, water column additives as well. Thanks for the feedback! Tim Dave Millman wrote: zeek wrote: As for your setup, I strongly recommend you reconsider your choice of substrate. The fact that your are a self-proclaimed "Planted Tank Newbie" is the reason I suggest it. Soil substrates are best left to those who are more experienced with planted setups; and even then it's an arguable point at that! I would suggest either 100% flourite or a mix of flourite and gravel if money is a concern. After you get a few years of experience and lots of reading you can always re-visit the idea of a soil based substrate. This is especially true if you go 100% flourite instead of a mix because it will be easier to reuse with the soil later on. I've had a planted setup for about five years now... About a year ago I converted my substrate to flourite and soil (with heating cables). So far it's been a very positive experience -- but I'm glad I did not attempt a soil substrate with my first planted tank. Beleive me, it's not for the faint of heart! Everyone listen to Zeek on this one. I've been into planted tanks for two years and I still would never repeat the soil mistake I made when starting out. Flourite is wonderful. ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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joe wrote in message ...
...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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Everything I have read supported Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil as a good
medium. It is nothing more than clay ground into a nice consistancy for plant roots. For every bad posting I found 10 good ones (and the bad We've used it in the pond. Never heard of anybody using it for a tank. Anyhow, the consistency is pretty bad, I'm guessing small plants will float off a lot. :) the gravel layer on top). My Profile under gravel mix seemed to be the most succesful and highly recommended conbination. As far as real Stick to plain gravel then. The "soil" doesn't add anything. -- Victor Martinez Send your spam he Email me he |
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Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100
other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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I think what she was commenting on, is in the aquaria field, you can read
100 posts, all day long, and you'll not be able to repeat it, confirm it, or even find an arguement concering it... because there are too many variables... in the end, you'll be back, asking why your plants won't stay down, or why there is so much cloudiness, or why this or why that.... It's not a bad idea to listen to the 'real people' here and take note to their advice... Mixing gravel and soil with be a gravity question... what is heavier, will be on bottom, logical common sense... Keeping your costs down, usually results in a shortcut method that ends disasterously, has before, will again.... Being over confident, will undoubtedly, kill fish, and end your stent in the aquaria hobby.... I was there once... thought I could just throw a few fish in a box and see what happens.... little did I know.... If you never listen to anything said in here, listen to this... "Soil in tanks, are for advanced technical aquarists, not me, I use Flourite, and I couldn't be happier" Joe, get some thicker skin, be courteous and everyone here will be glad to help you thru your Planted Tank Newbieness.... btw, I researched for way more than 2 weeks... trust me, you better keep reading, and reading, and reading.... "Joe Zoolan" wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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I have heard several of you mention the problem of
soil in aquarium. I have used it with no ill effects that I know of. It is standard potting soil with peat from Home Depot. I have fluorite (about 2inches) on top of it. It is not cloudy. Fish have no problems. Plants are doing great (much better than fluorite alone). Several friends of mine also use standard soil with gravel on top. Could you please clarify the problem you have experienced with soil so that I may keep an eye out for these. Thanks "RedForeman ©®" wrote: I think what she was commenting on, is in the aquaria field, you can read 100 posts, all day long, and you'll not be able to repeat it, confirm it, or even find an arguement concering it... because there are too many variables... in the end, you'll be back, asking why your plants won't stay down, or why there is so much cloudiness, or why this or why that.... It's not a bad idea to listen to the 'real people' here and take note to their advice... Mixing gravel and soil with be a gravity question... what is heavier, will be on bottom, logical common sense... Keeping your costs down, usually results in a shortcut method that ends disasterously, has before, will again.... Being over confident, will undoubtedly, kill fish, and end your stent in the aquaria hobby.... I was there once... thought I could just throw a few fish in a box and see what happens.... little did I know.... If you never listen to anything said in here, listen to this... "Soil in tanks, are for advanced technical aquarists, not me, I use Flourite, and I couldn't be happier" Joe, get some thicker skin, be courteous and everyone here will be glad to help you thru your Planted Tank Newbieness.... btw, I researched for way more than 2 weeks... trust me, you better keep reading, and reading, and reading.... "Joe Zoolan" wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game.
Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it
(such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and
wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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Thanks for the reply. correction to my previous
post. I used topsoil, not potting soil. So far (2 months) no problems with fish or plants (in fact plants loving it). "RedForeman ©®" wrote: Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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keep us up to date, I'm a newbie, only got 2years experience, but I steered
away from soil.. scared me... I stuck with flourite, was told by many that it was the safest way to go... got any pics of your tank?? I'm always interested in seeing soiled tanks.. I mean, tanks with soil.... oh well.. you know what I mean... I did see a great tank, a 125 with soil, even had some rocks here and there, but a ton of angels... they were beautiful against the black bottom..... "Soji John" wrote in message ... Thanks for the reply. correction to my previous post. I used topsoil, not potting soil. So far (2 months) no problems with fish or plants (in fact plants loving it). "RedForeman ©®" wrote: Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. |
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Just a quick clarification, as I think there are some misconceptions...
1) As the OP, I'm not a beginnner aquarist, just a beginner with planted tanks. I've been keeping fish on and off for 15 years. 2) The stuff I'm using is not 'soil' in the terrestrial use of the word. Per the manufacturer, it is 'Made from a kiln-fired 100% mineral substance, contains no peat moss or compost that can break down, cloud water or float around to clog filters and pumps.'. It doesn't have any of those things you mentioned either, such as additives. 3) I have stirred it around since it was installed, and while it does move relatively easily, it settled right back down. No couldiness was generated, I'm sure in large part because I thoroughly washed it before putting it in to remove the dust. Tim RedForeman ©® wrote: Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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Keep me informed, always looking for a new product to use... Take many pics,
keep us up-to-date... "joe" wrote in message ... Just a quick clarification, as I think there are some misconceptions... 1) As the OP, I'm not a beginnner aquarist, just a beginner with planted tanks. I've been keeping fish on and off for 15 years. 2) The stuff I'm using is not 'soil' in the terrestrial use of the word. Per the manufacturer, it is 'Made from a kiln-fired 100% mineral substance, contains no peat moss or compost that can break down, cloud water or float around to clog filters and pumps.'. It doesn't have any of those things you mentioned either, such as additives. 3) I have stirred it around since it was installed, and while it does move relatively easily, it settled right back down. No couldiness was generated, I'm sure in large part because I thoroughly washed it before putting it in to remove the dust. Tim RedForeman ©® wrote: Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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joe wrote in message ...
Everything I have read supported Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil as a good medium. For every bad posting I found 10 good ones I just need to keep my startup costs down. That's cool... Do plenty of research/reading... and make your own decisions. I did the same thing when I decided to go the flourite/soil/heating cables route; so I totally respect that! Two things to consider though... 1. Your plan is to use the Schultz soil underneath a layer of gravel because it will float if exposed. One thing you have to keep in mind with a plant tank is that you will invariably stir up the substrate during replants. Trust me, you are not going to get the perfect layout on your first attempt... And even if you could -- likely you will want to add a plant here and there after it's set up. All this movement will eventually uncover some of the "soil" and it will float. 2. Remember this is a long-term choice you are making! Partially in reference to #1 above, but keep in mind that it's a really big deal to break down a heavily planted tank and restart it with another choice in substrate. Took me a full day saturday (12+ hrs) which doesn't take into account the prepwork before, and cleanup after. I also considered the Schultz route, even sampled a bit from a pond retailer who had an open bag. I concluded it was just not for me. BTW: I didn't find many positive... or negative... comments on this as a medium for the aquarium. I researched for a good deal longer than two weeks, and still could not find much opinion for the application. On a side note -- If we are all so sure this medium will float in the aquarium environment then how do the pond folks deal with the issue? Certainly it must float in the pond as well? Maybe because that environment is largely a container-based planting (with gravel as a top layer of each pot) as opposed to a wall-to-wall substrate? |
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Soji John wrote in message ...
I have heard several of you mention the problem of soil in aquarium. I have used it with no ill effects that I know of. Yes, I've been wondering where all the negativity towards soil comes from too. I have topsoil (from my backyard) covered with a layer of sand in my 125 gallon. I did have some trouble with algae the first two months, but this is hardly unique to soil tanks. Now that it's settled down, the tank is great. The pH is perfectly stable, nitrate levels are perfectly stable, plants are growing vigorously without CO2 injection. People who are scared of soil should read Diana Walstad's book, "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium." It explains very well why soil is a good substrate choice. - Jim |
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On Mon, 27 Oct 2003 15:45:03 -0600, joe wrote:
the gravel layer on top). My Profile under gravel mix seemed to be the most succesful and highly recommended conbination. As far as real 'potting soil' (dirt based stuff), I agree...not a good starter's choice. I've done the same thing. Profile works fine, but I am not fond of the color, so I tried mixing it with Flourite. It looked good for a while, but it seperated over time. In my quarentine tank, I've got straight profile, and the plants in there are doing fine. It is lighter weight, and plants do get more easily uprooted. Chuck Gadd http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua |
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Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil is not really "dirt" its kiln dried "fractured"
clay. It is also sold under the name "Profile". You can read about both in "thekrib" as I did long ago. I set my tank up using profile as my base and fluorite on top. Both products are VERY dusty. I just gave up washing them after the 20th rinse and let the dust settle. I bought a 50lb bag of profile for about $6.00 at Caudill Seed Company in Louisville, KY. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil costs about $16-$17 for a 16lb bag at Lowes. I promise they are IDENTICAL substances. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (Profile) is not a pretty substrate to look at....unless you like the color of washed out clay pots. Mine has mixed in with the fluorite a little and it looks like it belongs. its lighter than fluorite but its still on the bottom in most places. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil or "Profile" is used in hydroponics gardening also. But the main purpose Profile is sold for is as a soil additive for baseball or football fields and golf courses. It improves drainage while retaining some moisture itself.. Very much like adding peat moss does. BTW, I am so glad Red takes time to post in here. He's been a help to me and I think he's only a state away. I ALWAYS read what you write Red. Thanks for the time. :-) Jim "joe" wrote in message ... Just a quick clarification, as I think there are some misconceptions... 1) As the OP, I'm not a beginnner aquarist, just a beginner with planted tanks. I've been keeping fish on and off for 15 years. 2) The stuff I'm using is not 'soil' in the terrestrial use of the word. Per the manufacturer, it is 'Made from a kiln-fired 100% mineral substance, contains no peat moss or compost that can break down, cloud water or float around to clog filters and pumps.'. It doesn't have any of those things you mentioned either, such as additives. 3) I have stirred it around since it was installed, and while it does move relatively easily, it settled right back down. No couldiness was generated, I'm sure in large part because I thoroughly washed it before putting it in to remove the dust. Tim RedForeman ©® wrote: Are you an advanced aquarist or a beginner? the OP is a beginner, and wanting to start out with soil covered with flourite.... I know, I've been told be many that it is a bad idea for a beginner... Potential problems Additives in the soil, Potting soil HAS additives, Top Soils don't... Some have vermiculite, some dont Some have pesticides, some dont Some people think you can just add dirt.... wrong. Some asked about peat... not a good idea either... Some have urea, MAJOR ammonia problem there... but plants love it...fish won't. "Soji John" wrote in message ... Most of the soil is denser than water. some of it (such as the peat) may be lighter. It is true that once the soil layer is disturbed it will cause a turbidity problem. I try not to do this and as of now it hasn't been an issue. Any other problems that you know of? Thanks, -soji Dunter Powries wrote: You asked, you got an answer, you argued... fair game. Seriously, you've got a lighter-than-water substance weighted down by gravel. How long do you think you can go with having to move a plant, and what happens when you disturb the gravel barrier. Better to think of it now than later. Joe Zoolan wrote in message ... Dunter...sorry to be so stupid. I guess reporting what I've read in 100 other posts over the past 2 weeks isn't good enough for you. Thanks for the constructive feedback... Tim Dunter Powries wrote: joe wrote in message ... ...the light nature of the stuff, which is resolved with the gravel layer on top... Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, my. ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
Tank Top Question
"Jimmy" wrote in message
Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil is not really "dirt" its kiln dried "fractured" clay. It is also sold under the name "Profile". You can read about both in "thekrib" as I did long ago. I set my tank up using profile as my base and fluorite on top. Both products are VERY dusty. I just gave up washing them after the 20th rinse and let the dust settle. I bought a 50lb bag of profile for about $6.00 at Caudill Seed Company in Louisville, KY. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil costs about $16-$17 for a 16lb bag at Lowes. I promise they are IDENTICAL substances. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil (Profile) is not a pretty substrate to look at....unless you like the color of washed out clay pots. Mine has mixed in with the fluorite a little and it looks like it belongs. its lighter than fluorite but its still on the bottom in most places. Schultz Aquatic Plant Soil or "Profile" is used in hydroponics gardening also. But the main purpose Profile is sold for is as a soil additive for baseball or football fields and golf courses. It improves drainage while retaining some moisture itself.. Very much like adding peat moss does. BTW, I am so glad Red takes time to post in here. He's been a help to me and I think he's only a state away. I ALWAYS read what you write Red. Thanks for the time. :-) Jim One of these days I'm gonna take that risk and try soil.... but until then, I'll advocate it for advanced ppl, NOT like me... thanks jimmy.... |
Tank Top Question
What do you think if I I take a clay pot, put some moss in the bottom ( to
cover the hole), then some soil from the yard, insert my plant, then cover with florite, finally place in tank........ One of these days I'm gonna take that risk and try soil.... but until then, I'll advocate it for advanced ppl, NOT like me... thanks jimmy.... |
Tank Top Question
maybe soaking it without the plant for a day, in a bucket, then test the
water to see if anything is coming from the soil, whether the pH changes, trAtes, and trItes.... if no ill effects, sure... I've thought about just soil and flourite 50/50 ina pot before, but if I had the time..... Good luck, give us an update on what you find out... "Jimmy" wrote in message news:VO2qb.110115$HS4.951270@attbi_s01... What do you think if I I take a clay pot, put some moss in the bottom ( to cover the hole), then some soil from the yard, insert my plant, then cover with florite, finally place in tank........ One of these days I'm gonna take that risk and try soil.... but until then, I'll advocate it for advanced ppl, NOT like me... thanks jimmy.... |
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