can I use $1 walmart soil as a substrate? Plz Respond asap

Jack English

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 14, 2019
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Im wanting to do a rescape on my planted tank and wanted to change the substrate in it. Can I use the $1 walmart soil or is that too fine? Would it be better if I capped it? I put it in the bucket yesterday and took the photo today. Keep in mind the hose was stirring the water around for 20 mins. Is it good or should I stick to miricle grow. Thx

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Oughtsix

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Apr 9, 2011
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Redmond, OR
I just spend the extra few bucks and get the Miricle grow organic.

I always cap the soil. I prefer gravel but I have heard others prefer sand.

I seems like it takes about a month for everything to settle completely... after that I don't have that much problem with particles floating in the water. The first couple of months do require several extra changes/cleaning of my mechanical filtration.

The health and vigorous growth of my plants makes the extra setup hassle of soil capped with gravel easily worth the effort!
 

kno4te

MFK Moderator
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Dec 24, 2005
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Most potting soil can be used but will make a mess and need lots of time to settle.
 
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