[vheissu]

I want to switch my 125 Gallon red-bellied piranha tank over from gravel and fake plants to soil and live plants. I was wondering what type of soil I would need to do so, and how much? Any useful info. about switching things over would be great!

 

[ddrfreak_tung]

Aqua soil
Stratum
Mineralized top soil
Eco complete
Fluorite
Regular inert substrate with root tabs

As for how much, they vary but top soil n sand will be the cheapest.

Any of those will do, but I'd leave out the top soil since it takes awhile to prepare it.
You'll probably will need to find a tank for your piranha while the water leaches out all the harmful stuff, so a friend, a tank, or a fish sitter. Some lfs will watch your fish for you

 

[vheissu]

I have other tanks i could put the piranhas in for the time being... how long would it take for the soil to go through the initial process you are talking about??

 

[nilocg]

Mineralizing topsoil takes 4-6 weeks normally, maybe faster or slower depending on how hot and dry it is in your area.

Here is a thread with the direction: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/72382-mineralized-top-soil-substrate.html

If you don't want to wait that long I have some for sale: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/s...rlaized-topsoil-mts-dirt-supplies-prices.html

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[ddrfreak_tung]

You can also do a tank with only plants that draws their nutrients from the water column. I've seen some beautiful aquariums with just mosses anubias and java ferns...if you have the patience