Using Compost In Tank

[Craig89]

I was Reading through some articles this morning and came across one suggesting normal garden compost could be used to help the growth of aquatic plants.

Is this the case? If so would I be able to mix it with the tetra plant substrate I have left and add it to the new tank ?

 

[ian]

i personally wouldn't use any old garden compost (due to what its been treated with). Some say use John Innes No 3 and others say to leave Jonh Innes 3 due to the high amounts of NH4 in it, however Diana Walstad recommend this in her V Low light tanks. I have also read that John Innes No 1 is a lot better as it doesn't contain Lime.

Supercoley knows quite a bit about composts, so i'm sure he'll be along shortly and clear it up.

 

[Craig89]

Oh ok, thanks for the info I have some tetra plant substrate ready to go in but I don't think it will cover the whole tank. Suppose I could just use it were I'm planting

 

[ian]

how much you got and what tank size is it?

 

[Craig89]

It's a 230ltr tank n I have 6l of the substrate. Tank is 110cm long x 45cm wide. Only intending to plant from half way to the back

 

[ian]

I suppose it'd do the back, but you need to be covering the whole bottom really as roots spread. You'd need about 12l with my calcs. Why not nip out and get some Jbl aquabasis, I'm sure they sell it in MA for about 6/7 quid for 5l. Well worth using as well IMO.

 

[Craig89]

It's hard finding any form of substrate in Bradford I had to order ofline but I shall try some places after work.