[Crispino L Ramos]

Is it okay to plant (emersed) right away in a tank with a newly laid out MTS substrate? I bought a ready made MTS mix from n_seine and thinking of setting up a tank with the substrate. It came with directions on how to make a slurry and apply the sand topping. I've read that it's a nutrient rich mixture and wonder if it might burn the plants. Do I have to let it settle or mature before planting on it?

 

[Diana]

You should be safe to plant right away. If it is too hot (high ammonia) it would not be good for an aquarium.

Several substrates produce some ammonia as they are adjusting to being under water (read some posts about the ADA product line) and it is just fine to plant these from the start.

Use that ammonia production to get the fishless cycle started.

 

[DogFish]

Did you ask this question of the person you bought it from?

What was their recommendation?

 

[Crispino L Ramos]

You should be safe to plant right away. If it is too hot (high ammonia) it would not be good for an aquarium.

Several substrates produce some ammonia as they are adjusting to being under water (read some posts about the ADA product line) and it is just fine to plant these from the start.

Use that ammonia production to get the fishless cycle started.

It will be an emersed set up, no fish tank, and plants growing on substrate barely covered with water.

 

[Crispino L Ramos]

Did you ask this question of the person you bought it from?

What was their recommendation?

No I didn't ask this question to n_seine. He just plants on it right away but I want to hear other comments.

 

[AaronT]

It's fine. The whole process of mineralizing the soil drastically reduces the presence of any ammonia causing organics in the soil. Plant away!

 

[DogFish]

No I didn't ask this question to n_seine. He just plants on it right away but I want to hear other comments.

Just curious.

I plant right away with MTS myself. However, I stopped using straight MTS for emersed growing. I now mix it with sphagnum moss and crushed oak leaves. In a 75% to 50% mix. I feel that's working better in my clay pots.

I think that might be closer to how they grow in nature. No proof, just my thoughts.