[el_heb]

Newb question

I'm planning a 20H low-light, low-tech tank, and was wondering if it's absolutely necessary to use potting soil as the tank substrate? Or could i just get by with flourite and sand and dose the Flourish line of ferts?

Thanks

 

[RipariumGuy]

I'm planning a 20H low-light, low-tech tank, and was wondering if it's absolutely necessary to use potting soil as the tank substrate? Or could i just get by with flourite and sand and dose the Flourish line of ferts?

Nope you dont have to use potting soil.

 

[lauraleellbp]

Why would you "have" to use potting soil?

I have Flourite black and Onyx Sand in all my tanks (all are low tech).

 

[el_heb]

It's just that Diana Walstad recommends using potting soil and regular gravel, because the soil has many nutrients that can keep the plants alive and thriving, but i think it's very messy to use soil, if you had to uproot a plant i can imagine the cloud of dust coming up, so would like to avoid that situation.

Thanks for the replies

 

[Karackle]

That may be true if you are going the rest of the "diana walstad" route, but for a planted tank in general, it certainly is not necessary!