(02-25-2017, 02:16 PM)Thor Wrote: I will not try the soil method myself, as it is not the usual recommended substrate. And I'd imagine the substrate vacuuming might cause some trouble to the soil since it can be easily removed.
You are welcomed to try it if you are interested. Please keep me updated.
Not recommended by whom? "Them"? Lol... If you look into any of the really dedicated planted tank people, most of the highly experienced say it is one if not the best substrate. The vacuuming is an issue, they all seem to say the solution is to make absolutely sure you are not overfeeding, and let the biological process take care of the rest. Most of them also look at fish as the secondary residents, whereas most of us look at fish as the primary residents and plants secondarily. they simply don't keep fish that could cause problems to the plants. They also usually keep hoards of shrimp. Also, plants will utilize ammonium over nitrate when it is available. To the extent, that some of these planted tank people's idea of cycling a tank is to just establish the plants first, then introduce the fish, without ever working to establish a biofilter. Just relying on the plants to completely neutralize the water. Just in my little aquatic jungle, I am already having to add phosphates regularly, and nitrogen (using Seachem nitrogen which is NH4 & NO3) occasionally, as my plants already need more waste then the 21 fish in the 36 gal tank can produce. It's not quite that simple, but if you provide the plats with all else they need to grow quickly, they'll suck up everything the fish produce and actually start to show signs of nitrogen deficiencies. It is absolutely crazy to me. I have Nitrates in a bottle that I pour into a tank with 21 fish. Seriously. And, i have reduced my water change schedule, which was already not as often as "they" say it should be, to make sure i am not taking all the nitrates out of the tank.
But I am nowhere near brave enough to try soil yet my friend, lol. Check back with me in a few years ;
Please keep me updated.
