I'm thinking about collecting some mud from local ponds to use as substrate as it is much softer and more natural. My question is what can I do to ensure its safe? I figured baking or bleaching were possible but is there anything better? If its been treated with pesticides is there anything I can do or is it not worth it?
Mud
- Thread starter Thalan
- Start date
Not much you can do about pesticides. I suggest you get mud from a fish-less pond, as it is less likely to harbor fish pathogens. Do not treat it. Place it a dry tank, pack it down as much as you can, then gently add water. Use a plate or piece of filter sponge to keep the water from stirring up the mud as you pour it in. Let it settle for several days before starting up the filter. Check your water parameters regularly until they stabilize, then add fish.
Where would one find a fish-less pond in Fl? The only ones I can think of are far too disgusting to even consider.