Update 3/16! **DIY LED Volcano!** Isla Nublar - Jurassic Park 5 Gallon Betta Paradise

[orchidman]

Hey, at least you decided to not go dirty now, instead of later

[AquaStudent]

true true but I still have a 5 gallon worth of mess to clean up when I get back to my dorm. I want to go get started now! grrrrr.

Maybe I'll take a trip to my LFS tonight. I've got work at 7am tomorrow so I won't be out too late.

[AquaStudent]

Well, I've been thinking very hard. I've heard many great things about this Tahitian Moon Sand stuff and it's got exactly the look that I'm looking for. The only negative is that it is inert. So I have a decision to make that I would like your help on.

If I go with the Tahitian Black Moon Sand substrate should I go with only that (with root tabs for fertilization...I believe this is the more expensive but cleaner version)

OR

Should I stick with the dirted idea, get some Miracle Grow Organic Soil (or another brand of organic) and cap the dirt with an inch or so of TMS?

Decisions, decisions...

[JamesHockey]

DIRT


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[sejoy]

I'm doing both. Dirt bottom (from my yard...) and TMS cap. 8D

[AquaStudent]

awesome let me know how it turns out

I think I'm going to head to Home Depot after work today and my LFS and pick up the dirt and sand

Woohoo

[JamesHockey]

Originally Posted by AquaStudent

awesome let me know how it turns out

I think I'm going to head to Home Depot after work today and my LFS and pick up the dirt and sand

Woohoo

lets compare how our tanks do,i set up my 29 gallon yesterday with root tabs under the pool filter sand,well compare results later,




are you doing diy co2?

[AquaStudent]

Mkk

I'm very upset! I went to my LFS that had TMS when I went out to purchase supplies for my 10g a few weeks ago. They were out of stock and did not know when they were going to be getting a delivery of new substrates. Big Big Problem because I head back to school this weekend!

Does anybody know of a place to order it online without paying an arm and a leg?

Also, how imperative is clay containing iron? I found a website (off the MTS thread) and it seems cheap but I need to figure out the shipping.

I did pick up some dirt today. I know this dirt will work because I have seen many planted tanks that have used this dirt before. I picked up a small bag of Miracle Grow Organic Potting Mix/Soil. Either way I'm confident it will work.

I could have picked up CaribSea Aquarium Sand Substrate. It was pretty much exactly like the TMS but pure white instead of pure black. It wouldn't be exactly the look I was going for but it's better than nothing.

At this point I may just go out and buy some play sand and cap it with that. I'd save some $$$ but it wouldn't quite be the look I want. (and I'd have like 95% of a 50pound sand bag left over.

UGH!!!

[AquaStudent]

Originally Posted by JamesHockey

lets compare how our tanks do,i set up my 29 gallon yesterday with root tabs under the pool filter sand,well compare results later,




are you doing diy co2?

I was reading over the MTS thread and I don't think I was going to do MTS. I was just going to use dirt, not a wet/dryout phase then repeat. I was planning on using the strategy from Dustin at www.aquascape.ning.com

We can still compare how it all turns out

[JamesHockey]

Originally Posted by AquaStudent

I was reading over the MTS thread and I don't think I was going to do MTS. I was just going to use dirt, not a wet/dryout phase then repeat. I was planning on using the strategy from Dustin at www.aquascape.ning.com

We can still compare how it all turns out

???


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[AquaStudent]

In my understanding, MTS is done with a process of adding a little bit of water and then letting it evaporate and repeating. This takes the minerals out of the water and puts it into the "dirt". It also calls for a different kind of dirt other than organic potting mix (i think). The whole process makes some sort of silt.

I was just going to use dirt/organic potting soil as nutritious substrate.

[JamesHockey]

Originally Posted by AquaStudent

In my understanding, MTS is done with a process of adding a little bit of water and then letting it evaporate and repeating. This takes the minerals out of the water and puts it into the "dirt". It also calls for a different kind of dirt other than organic potting mix (i think). The whole process makes some sort of silt.

I was just going to use dirt/organic potting soil as nutritious substrate.

I know your doing miracle grow.... Idk I'm confused


On with the show!


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[AquaStudent]

The MTS method is something different I guess. I'm just using dirt as nutrition, I am not adding minerals from tap water to the dirt.

oh well, I have found a couple of online sources for TMS. How much should I need?

These prices are including shipping.

I can get a...

5 pound bag for around $12

10 pounds for $20

and 20 pounds for $26

I know I won't need 20 pounds but I feel like 5 pounds for $12 is pretty expensive. How much will I need anyway? I need at least a half an inch cap (preferably closer to an inch)

[JamesHockey]

i would get a 10 lbbag,and if shipping is too much im sure 5 lbs is enough

[AquaStudent]

I was walking my dog this morning, in the rain I might add (Dudley wasn't too happy about that), when I found some nice pieces of Quartz. I know what I'm doing today.

I do have some spanish homework to do but cleaning these pieces of quartz will be a lot more fun.