[somewhatshocked]

Aquascape claims their soil is free of peat moss and compost so I was hoping this wouldn't mess with my water parameters too much.

Back in the Before Times (before Big Al's exited the US market, ugh), I used to get this from them when it was on sale for use in planters in my container pond. Used two bags of it over the course of about a decade and it worked well. One thing to keep in mind is it's not as nutrient-rich as one might expect and was usually depleted after a single summer.

Not sure I would buy it if there were other planted options or if it weren't on sale but it definitely works. I kept shrimp in the container pond, as well, and never noticed any parameter weirdness or unexplainable deaths.

You could always just use the fine gravel you prefer along with root tabs if you want to keep things simple.

 

[somewhatshocked]

That's too bad about the low nutrient content.

It's not low nutrient. Just has less than you'd expect. Depleted after 7-8 month growing season. Would likely last longer in an aquarium like you plan. But it doesn't last as long as mineralized topsoil or good potting soil.

Worst case scenario? You add root tabs or dose ferts if it becomes necessary for what you're keeping.