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Organic Potting soil for Planted aquarium

32K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  beaslbob 
#1 ·
Received a free 90 gallon aquarium. In the process of getting together everything I need to set this up. I came across a item at our local Costco; that being a bag (85 litre) of 100% organic Potting soil. It boasts of containing a combination of Sphagnum Peat; Perlite and Composted bark. Before I do anything I may regret; I'm asking if this is even a consideration for a substrate in an aquarium.

Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
I use and recommend straight sphagnum peat moss. With no ferts added. 1footx1footx3foot plastic cube. ~$13 local building supply places


I have used some with ferts potting soil bags and they worked also. but there was algae problems which required some initial lights out to clear up.


my .02
 
#4 ·
Thanks for your prompt replies. I looked for straight Sphagnum Peat; but most stores do not carry any plant stuff yet. Up here in Northern BC; the growing season doesn't start for sometime yet; and nothing is put out till then. I think I'll try the Costco product and test it later with some feeder minnows.
 
#5 ·
I have used potting soil for tanks and I know lots of people claim it works great for plants but I don't see it. They might do a little better but it makes replanting anything or adding stuff later a pain. I won't do it again.

If you just want a substrate I would buy pea gravel from the hardware store here it is $4 for a 50 pound bag. Just wash it well first.
 
#6 ·
One of the keys is to cap it with play sand and plant the plants before filling the tank.


But you're correct just peat moss can create a mess.


In my uncirculated tanks with no mechanical filtration, that setup mess settles down and the tank clears up in a couple of days.
 
#7 ·
Definitely cap it off with sand. Afterwards, don't pour water directly into the tank, pour it into a plate sitting on top of the sand so that it doesn't leave a crater in the substrate. After, do your whole planting scheme after it settles so you don't get an algae explosion. If you remove plants, don't pull them, just cut them with scissors right above the sand; leaving the roots in the tank, there they will rot without causing a spike. As far as adding plants, I never had a problem adding new plants; just be slow and take your time not to make a mess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#8 ·
Thank you you all for some very valuable advice. I have had some experience using potting soil and play sand. I liked the results I had and didn't find it to hard to work with. Now it appears I have another more serious problem. My wife! She doesn't want me to set up the 90.
 
#10 · (Edited)
:surprise:
woopsies.


Talk to her and find out what her concerns are. And discuss with her the methods in my signature.


Best of luck.


my .02


ps if she comes around in a year she will want her own tank. :grin2:
 
#9 ·
You are welcome for the info, And yes need the wife to okay it I fully get that and agree. If she is like mine give her time and she will come around. Failing that feel free to bring me the tank and I will get it going for you with the fish you listed 8)
 
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