Schultz's Aquatic Soil

[meili.harrison]

I found several 10lb bags of these at Home Depot today on sale for $5/bag. I bought a bunch thinking I can always return it if not good. I was thinking of starting a 29 gal planted with this as an alternative to eco-complete. I don't like that it is not a dark substrate, but it is much cheaper. Anyone tried using this before and if so, how effective is it? Should I use by itself or mix with sand? Any opinions?

 

[rich311k]

I have used it. I have a 29 with it. I like it and seems to do well, but it is very light it can be hard to get plants to stay down initially.

 

[meili.harrison]

I heard that it gets heavier over time. Is it better to put some larger gravel / small river rocks over it first until everything grows out? I have some extras.

 

[rich311k]

Interesting idea. I just used it straight I have not added anything, come to think about it. It is much better now about holding things down. My corys love to root about in it.

 

[Rainbowmama234]

Does anyone mind telling me the color of the soil when wet. Does it have a natural look to it?

Thanks

RM

 

[Ozymandias]

i think it's sort of grayish

 

[rich311k]

Mine is light brown in color.

It is the substrate in this shot.

 

[Ozymandias]

well I've been proven wrong, i could be thinking of something else

 

[meili.harrison]

I opened a bag and checked it out, when wet, looks pretty natural to me. It is just like rich311k's picture. I think it would look good. I will probably top up with some gravel until the plants establish themselves and the substrate gets denser. Will post pics of the project then. Probably start next weekend.

I think I'm gonna have extra bags cos I bought 5 x 10lbs haha! Maybe if it looks good, I might do it on both my 29 gals.

 

[Rainbowmama234]

Thanks for the picture, it does look really natural. I think I'm going to give it a try in my 20

RM