Cheap Diy Substrate?

[Catfish Jack]

Ive been experimenting with soil as a plant substrate, and it seems to be effective. I tried it in a 2 gal with micro swords, which didnt do too well in my 55 gal, and they have really took off. I packed the dirt to about a half inch thick with an inch of small gravel on top. I now have a small carpet from these three scrawny plants. I added some ghost shrimp to combat the algae growth, with little success.

Now im planning on trying this on a bigger scale, a 10gal. Ive considered puting some type of mesh between the soil and gravel to keep fish from stirring up any dirt. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on making this effective and neat as possible?

 

[aaronnorth]

cant you just put a thicker layer of gravel on top?

 

[Catfish Jack]

yea, i think that would work.

should i mix some peat moss in with the soil?

 

[aaronnorth]

In Diana Walstad's book she says to avoid Peat Moss because: "The acidity of peat moss may bring heavy metals into the soil solution"

These metals are better left in the water colum where they are more accesible though the leaf,

 

[Catfish Jack]

Thanks for the info. I should have this set up within the next week as long as the weather permits.

Ill keep you updated.