Soil substrates
#1 Guest_Clayton_*
Posted 09 September 2008 - 10:26 PM
It seems to have a few little chunks of twigs and such in it that might want to float, but they should be weighed down by the heavier top layer of substrate. More than anything it reminds me of the soil that I commonly see when visiting Nebraska. It's a deep rich black color and really loose as opposed to the clumpy Indiana red clay we call soil. I did think it was odd that it says not for potted plants on it. Do you guys see any problem with using this as an inch or two under some sand/gravel substrate?
I picked a bag and figured if it won't work for a tank substrate that I'll just use it to mix into some plant beds. It just seemed like a lot less trouble than digging a hole in my yard and dealing with that. I've got enough trouble with the dogs doing it let alone me adding to the mess. If this stuff won't work is there some other commercial product that would fit the bill?
#2 Guest_Moontanman_*
Posted 09 September 2008 - 10:30 PM
#3 Guest_joshuapope2001_*
Posted 09 September 2008 - 11:52 PM
Just my two cents
#4 Guest_threegoldfish_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 07:36 AM
I get plain old topsoil from Lowes for $2 (white bag, red writing, Garden Pro or something similar) for my raised beds and I think that would work well under an inert layer.
#5 Guest_Clayton_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 09:42 AM
good potting soil that doesn't contain any raw bio matter
How would you define raw bio matter? I'm far from a soil expert, and I've never used it in one of my tanks.
That is a point I hadn't considered. I've already got a lot of driftwood in the tank, so I think I'm going to be fighting that battle anyhow. I'm not sure I want to add to it with my substrate.The potting soil I used had a lot of wood mulch and the water is a deep tea color from the tannins.
#6 Guest_Moontanman_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 09:51 AM
How would you define raw bio matter? I'm far from a soil expert, and I've never used it in one of my tanks.
That is a point I hadn't considered. I've already got a lot of driftwood in the tank, so I think I'm going to be fighting that battle anyhow. I'm not sure I want to add to it with my substrate.
Things like rabbit pellets, cow manure, stuff that will rot.
#7 Guest_nativeplanter_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 11:33 AM
I do like adding biological material in the form of dried leaves under the soil. As they break down, they help form a great mulm layer under there, and I'm guessing add to the CO2 available to the plants. They also release nutrients slowly over time as they decompose. I've had very good luck with it.
#8 Guest_Clayton_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 02:27 PM
#9 Guest_Moontanman_*
Posted 10 September 2008 - 02:43 PM
4 Pt. Peat Compost
1 part earth worm castings
1 part azzola
2 Pt. Red Clay
2 Pt. Oak Leaves (ground)
3 Pt. Lava Rock Flour
3 Pt. Ground charcoal, (cowboy charcoal, not briquettes)
this is by volume not weight.
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