Curious About Using Soil Covered By Gravel

phishstixx

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I just started a little expriment in a 2 gallon container, with about an inch of soil covered by gravel with about 3 different plants and a fry fish. Basically would like to turn my 20 gallon into a soil based tank with lots of plants. Any one else here ever done something like this and would like to share there exprience (pros and con).
 
i've been wondering the same thing since i couldnt find some aquarium soil at LFS. i've never really tryed to experiment but i think i'll try tonight. i've heard some good things about useing potting soil first u lay down the soil then spread some smashed coral or shell (cant remember) on top then cover it with gravel then pour water in. so u dont get that much dirt you put a plate on top of the gravelthen pour the water in. but u have to w8 till the dust goes down. or i guess you could wash it before but i never really tryed.
 
The suggestion is that you need to soak the soil for 6-weeks before use, or boil it well. You can also use something like kitchen paper between the soil and sand/gravel as it will initially stop the soil from floating/mixing and it will degrade quickly enough long term.
 
what so special abbout soil... why do people think of using it,,

once u do some uprooting the soil will be everywhere

better with small grain size gravel and use substrate ferts
 
Well I'm on day 3 of my expriment. 1 1/2 gallon container with soil covered by plain gravel with 3 plants and 3 fishes(one platy who didn't like guppies and 2 2 month old Molly fries) all water stats are good even with a little over feeding. The container gets sunlight only being the in the brightest room (the kitchen). Well not sure of the names of the plants one floater and one that looks like grass and one type of foreground plant. The water itself is cloudy but fishes seem fine. I won't being doing any water changes til I see some decent plant growth so hope in about another month or so. As for the temp stats stats between 72-78 with no heater. And no air bubbles. Hope everything continues well so that I can do my 5 1/2 gallon tank next.
 

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