[AmoAquafish]

I'm thinking of using potting soil under sand as my substrate in a tank of mine, mainly because no one around me sells ANY kind of plant substrate. Anything I should know? Is one kind better? Does it mess with the ph? Which kinds leach tannis into the water? Thanks.

 

[AaronT]

I've used soil, but never potting soil. Potting soil has too many added fertilizers and other substances you won't want to introduce into your tank.

Try using the cheapest bag of topsoil you can find. The cheaper it is, the less likely it's been augmented in some manner.

Here's a link to my journal regarding the use of soil in a planted tank.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/el-natural/32043-el-natural-with-a-twist-long.html

 

[AmoAquafish]

Thanks. I actually mistyped. I meant topsoil.

 

[AmoAquafish]

I was familiar with Walstad, but that thread was enlightening. Thanks. So how does this sound for substrate--a little red clay, topsoil from my yard (I'm in luck! I'm digging a pond soon!), --maybe--a handful of oyster shells? Heard mixed things on that. Then sand. The plants are going to be--Ozelete sword, pygmy chain sword, dwarf hairgrass, various rotalas, watersprite. Probably a few small kinds of crypts. Lighting--2wpg, CO2--DIY. Sound good? I've never done tank exactly this way before, though I have used soil--kind of (long story).