13 replies to this topic

[0zarrian]

Had some stuff kicking around so i started a dirted tank.

I have been watching Dustin's fish tanks on youtube and it looked like a good idea. i guess we will see how it goes!

 

And heres an update on my Shrimp tank and my 200 liter 

[Androo]

Nice MTWRC. Looks great, keep updating as it progresses

[malawiman85]

I likes your tanks and the MTWRC look good too!

Great stuff.

[dori]

good job dude, which brand of potting mix did u use?

[Redevilz]

Very nice tank!

Your 200L is awesome! Given me inspiration for my 185L

[MrLeifBeaver]

good job dude, which brand of potting mix did u use?

 

Yeah very cool. Yeah, can you advise the potting mix/dirt mix you did as Dusten uses american stuff and I think our potting soil is different.

[dori]

i believe it should be richgro organic potting mix, its the only one i can find in bunnings

[malawiman85]

Interesting... I did a similar thing in a 160ltr mtw tank with black gravel on top. Plants seem to be going ok, mtw's, tetras, whiptails and bn's are going well I think the only thing holding me back is my poxy lighting. I used some API tabs a few months ago, nothing since and all is going well.
Im sure using every day terrestrial potting mix is a nono but it definitely works ok... would love to see how you go with decent ferts and lighting.

Edited by malawiman85, 04 February 2014 - 06:42 PM.

[dori]

i used organic potting mix on mine, is that ok?

[0zarrian]

Organic is the way to go as long as it doesn't have any ferts in it. Richgro here has a slow release fert in it, well the one that was at Bunnings did so i just used dirt from my backyard. more of a actual soil than what potting mix is in the bag, Its usually just sand with some fine mulch mixed in. 

 

I had maybe 3 or 4 "2-handed" scoops of soil and i mixed in some Laterite clay.... would have been close to one hand full..... i just kinda winged it XD

I poke the soil every day before and after work so i don't get that nasty smelling anaerobic pockets happening. fingers crossed.

 

Im not planning on put fish in there, was more of an experiment to see how the soil would go. I might try some soil/clay from the river somewhere with good looking plants. and also next time i go down to Bridgetown for the festival ill grab some clay from my mates farm i stay at and see how that goes.    

[Bombshocked]

i know for a fact that i got the last of the miracle grow potting and planting soil about 3-4 months ago and they no longer manufacture it

 

As for potting soils

as long as its organic has no fertilisers or water saving crystals ( i havn't been able to find one)it should be good also try and avoid any packed with chips of wood

 

after about 4-5 weeks and a heap of w/cs if the tanks looking good it should be safe for fish as most toxins should have leached

 

the poking of the soil is very essential i have had a pocket of gas under my rocks once it lifted the gravel about an inch luckily there was no fish in the tank

 

i love dustins fishtanks also but bryans tv tank is were its at

Edited by Sir_Anubias, 04 February 2014 - 08:01 PM.

[dori]

I also enjoy dustins youtube videos, i even bought his dirted tank guide

[MrLeifBeaver]

I also enjoy dustins youtube videos, i even bought his dirted tank guide

 

WHAT UPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP FISHHHH TANK PEOPLEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bombshocked]

From my trials i would like to crush a bag of dino dung and mix it through the dirt next time i do it