Advice On Dirt

[Ryan028]

I am thinking of changing my substrate to soil capped with sand. I have read a number of threads around the net about John Innes and miracle grow. I was wondering what soil have people used on here and what peoples opinions are on this method.  
 
also could someone tell me if this stuff would be suitable?
 
http/www.diy.com/nav/garden/garden-care-watering/compost-sand-bark/Verve-Aquatic-Compost-20L-10288072

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Its not a bad idea, can last years, a lot of people find that over time the soil will work through the cap so you cant beat proper substrates but it works, Innes no.3 is the one I believe.

 

[Ryan028]

Is there a way that you have to prepare the soil before adding it to the tank? 

 

[Primous]

I soaked my soil just to allow the wood chippings to float to the surface. But more crucially here, do not use sand to cap the soil. They are both to lite and mix into a mess soon after.

 

[Ryan028]

I soaked my soil just to allow the wood chippings to float to the surface. But more crucially here, do not use sand to cap the soil. They are both to lite and mix into a mess soon after.

 
What soil did you use?
 
Was going to use sand as i looking to create a amazon look to the tank and i have group of corys.

 

[KevM]

Sand is fine. Just try to get a larger grain. I find pool filter sand (1mm-2mm grain) to be perfect. Make sure you plant very heavily if you're using soil.

 

[Ryan028]

I have two bags of play sand here that i bought last summer that be ok?
 
Was out earlier and bought john innes 2 and 3. Which would work best heard off both being used?

 

[KevM]

I'd go for No. 3 and a larger grain (1mm-2mm). If you must use playsand be aware that it will mix with soil over time. Also: try not to have too deep a cap because it compacts easily and you don't want anaerobic pockets forming over the soil. Fine gravel or larger grained sand would be better, for sure.

 

[Primous]

Sand is fine. Just try to get a larger grain. I find pool filter sand (1mm-2mm grain) to be perfect. Make sure you plant very heavily if you're using soil.

 
The Lady who spearheaded the use of dirt in the aquarium, Diane walstead, herself has said that capping dirt with sand is a bad idea. If I remember correctly it's something to do with oxygen but other than that I'd strongly advise against sand. Every time I have seen it attempted it has never worked.
 
I used miracle grow organic. 3 bags gave me a depth of 2" and I capped that with a fine gravel. The dirt costs next to nothing and it lasted for 2 years & 10 months. It's the tank in my sig...

 

[KevM]

Sand is fine. Just try to get a larger grain. I find pool filter sand (1mm-2mm grain) to be perfect. Make sure you plant very heavily if you're using soil.

 
The Lady who spearheaded the use of dirt in the aquarium, Diane walstead, herself has said that capping dirt with sand is a bad idea. If I remember correctly it's something to do with oxygen but other than that I'd strongly advise against sand. Every time I have seen it attempted it has never worked.
 
I used miracle grow organic. 3 bags gave me a depth of 2" and I capped that with a fine gravel. The dirt costs next to nothing and it lasted for 2 years & 10 months. It's the tank in my sig...

Actually, Diana Walstad has said sand is fine but you should aim for a grain size of 1mm-2mm.

 

[Ryan028]

Heading to the local fish store tomorrow to look at sand or fine gravel. I have plenty of time to do this not going to rush it

 

[Primous]

Actually, Diana Walstad has said sand is fine but you should aim for a grain size of 1mm-2mm.

 
That is interesting.
 
I have been perusing walsteads forum as well as other el natural/soil sub forums and have never come across that only the opposite. I remember I wanted to use black sand and everyone who owned a dirt tank advised against it irrespective of the grain size.
 
Edit
 
I just went through a few threads on apc concerning this topic and it appears ryan is right, people do use sand to cap soil. However, it needs to be a cap no thicker than 1" I would link to an other forum but I'm not sure of the rules regarding that so I'll just quote a post.
 
"I think everybody likes sand as a substrate... it looks really nice.
BUT it is a major pain to keep clean, and as Diana said, it doesn't breathe as good as gravel. I'm thinking, in a long term NPT a sand top layer will not recharge the soil as good, and might keep some nutrients in the water column, unless you're constantly cleaning it...... so i think from a functional point of view, the gravel substrate is definitely better."
 
I highlighted that particular part because I don't have the time to find Diana's actual statement to be able to quote them verbatim. But, as I mentioned earlier there are issues with oxygen (if the cap is more than 1" thick) and the key factor of the el natural approach is the soil recharging itself and as a result fertilizing the plants which is made difficult by sand caps regardless of grain size.
 
But whatever you decide OP we'll be here to help regardless.

 

[Ryan028]

How long was it Primous till you added fish to your setup?

 

[Primous]

I was pretty cautious and waited until the water became clear. About 24 hours if I'm remembering it correctly. You mentioned earlier that you  are going to take your time with this and that's a good thing. I'd advise you to take particular care in planning the scape each plant species HxWx and placement and I stress that point because once the plant's have reached the dirt removing them becomes a really messy business.

 

[DrRob]

 I would link to an other forum but I'm not sure of the rules regarding that so I'll just quote a post.

 
For the record, the rule is relatively simple, nobody minds a link to a specialist forum that contains information that wouldn't generally be found here. You'll often see links to fish databases or species specific forums for instance. We do mind linking outside the forum for things that are normal traffic on here, as we don't really want to do lots of free advertising for everyone else.