Non-gravel substrates?

[spinjector]

Does anyone have any experience with non-gravel substrates? Such as potting soil?

I was wondering if any potting soils would work, such as something that would be used for pond plants. Of course it would be messy and would have to be layered under regular gravel. BUt I was thinking that with some creative use of polyester batting, you might be able to keep the layers layered and prevent settling, and the eventual, inevitable sinking of the heavier gravel down through the potting soil.

 

[mrsdorothy]

I use the cheap $1.00 bag of potting soil in 3 of my tanks, 5g bata tank, 10g neon tank, and 20g barb tank. I have eco-complete in my 75g tank and all 3 of them has much faster growth than the 75g. These tanks needs pruning bi-weekly. I used the Diana Walstads method, minus the heating cable. I did not wash the substract before putting it in the tank. In a smaller tank from 5-20g, this method is easy.

1. Put about 1.5 inches of potting soil in tank.
2. Place 1-2 inches of small gravel on top of potting soil.
3. Slowly fill tank and let it sit for abut an hour, then drain.
4. Repeat step 3 at least 3 times.
5. Plant tank, then fill with water, turn on filter, and heater.

Now you're ready to cycle your tank.

I always place my new filter on an established tank and run for at least a month before placing it on the new tank. In this month, the plants has time to establish themselves and start to grow. HTH

Dorothy