pretty gravel capped over soil for lowwtech planted tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
not sure what that is but it doesn't sound organic

btw I bought a giant bag of miracle grow organic choice potting mix $9

20 pounds organic garden soil,just encase I need extra $5

organic peat humus "moss" $2

I'm going to try to strain my pea gravel to a smaller size.

Now the question is should I put a small layer of pool filter sand between the dirt and gravel?
 
You said low tech, so no CO2 or high intensity lighting correct? So why do you want to flood the tank with more nutrients than they will be able to use?
 
So the organic material breaking down and raising nitrogen levels won't be a problem?

With enough nitrate hungry plants, nitrate wouldn't go haywire, most of the times WC will take care of it, and being a planted tank, there is a lesser chance to have problems regarding water chemistry, but somehow Ph may still be affected.


edit:Still depends how dense the plants is in the tank, and which type of plants tho. Different bio-types may also play a big factor, stocks and everything..
 
But if you don't have plenty of plants, CO2 and proper lighting all the nutrients can't be used properly. Do what you like, but I would not add a substrate that will put off nitrogen, but soluble and non, phosphorus and potash indeterminably in a closed environment.

Ex[lain how a layer of gravel prevents the water from reaching the soil.
 
Just read through several sites and while some advocated the use of garden soil, they all said as a thin nutrient layer, not as a complete substrate. Will be interesting to hear how this turns out.

How about more details on the tank? Size, potential inhabitants, types and numbers of plants and then maybe keep records of your parameters.
 
She also says a thin layer and minimum 2 watts per gallon of light. Unless you have a tiny tank, that will not be considered low tech. But hey, since you're apparently already an expert go for it. If you can't handle some simple questions about setup without getting your panties in a bundle don't ask.
 
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