Teshe Posted July 30 Report Share Posted July 30 Hey guys, I was looking to see if anyone has any experience using cheaper alternatives to the aquatic soils available from pet shops. I have run across this article that uses organic potting mixes, but I was looking at pond soils. They are safe for fish, have all the basic needs of a substrate, and the main issue people at the store said I would run into is cloudy water as the dirt becomes mud and gets kicked up by the digging fish. I was wondering if I could fill filter socks or pond pump covers with the soil, and put it in the higher parts of the tank with a sand cap, so the plants can get in, but it is contained in case of any curious fish. Advice and anecdotes are welcome, I just cant justify to fill a 200L with fluorite or aquasoil if there is a cheaper (even if slower) alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 30 Report Share Posted July 30 Having never used anything except aquarium gravel, I can't help you but hopefully someone else can. My plants have only ever had gravel and fish poo. maxxi1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godly3vil Posted July 31 Report Share Posted July 31 From what I have researched any organic potting mix will be fine. Just make sure it is actually organic. Daltons Aquatic Mix is the most common dirt to use. maxxi1, Caryl and livingart 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxxi1 Posted August 22 Report Share Posted August 22 Dalton aquatic soil and cap it with something.. I have heard of people using other soils but as mentioned above it cannot have any fertilizer and it will create higher nitrates so you will need to take that into account Teshe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teshe Posted August 26 Author Report Share Posted August 26 @maxxi1 just wanting to confirm, is it this one here? https://www.kings.co.nz/daltons-aquatic-mix-15l-984245 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxxi1 Posted August 29 Report Share Posted August 29 Yup that one is the one.. I still put root tabs in it and cap it with sand or stones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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