The PERFECT Soil For Aquarium Plants and Planted Tanks

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Do you like videos on plants and planted tanks? Check out this playlist next! kzbin.info/aero/PLYN_jmBfTzd4DiS3ojANL5RpTZ1c-GeIS

[@45kittyboo]

Good morning I’m putting my trust in what you said about jiffy nature and organic mixed seeds I brought me some yesterday 04/03/2023 and I’m working on my first planted tank so I’m so excited 😆

[@Cgarrison]

I'll be going from gravel to organic potted soil here pretty soon.been sceptical but everything I'm hearing on KZbin makes me feel better about the switch.

[@paulfav9783]

Im using the jiffy natural and organic potting soil as well. I started my 20 gallon tank with just a few plants ie 2 amazon swords, dwarf hair grass cluster, a java fern and a couple of other plants. Within a month my tank has exploded with growth and found the jiffy soil to actually be better than the higher dollar substrates. Would reccomend to anyone without hesitation

[@Kk-zq4kj]

Sitting on the floor at Walmart holding the same bag like Ight we good to go 😂😂

[@MuteGoat]

A little late but this got me good 😂

[@esparzaxenia]

This is currently me just standing at home depo.

[@devonturney4840]

I straight up just sifted some dirt out of the garden and it worked great. Lol After about 1 year I found that I needed to supplement iron and potassium. I did get algae really, really bad at first, but I reduced the lighting a bit and did a few water changes until everything stabilized, and now the tank is beautiful. I never clean it. I just top of water and trim the plants when they get out of hand.

[@Scotttitus-o1k]

I went to lowe's and bought organic potting soil. Added shredded plant matter along with pond dirt, non sifted. Mixed in additives such as Epson salt, Ironite, and others following father fish methods. 2" pool filter sand cap. Added plants. Expect algae until plants establish. No water changes, just top off. Introduced DIY co2 after 30 days and liquid fertilizers 2 per week. Haven't cleaned tank since co2 added. I trim plants when they break water. 55 gallon, canister filter with pre-filter, cheap bright lights 10 hrs /day. cut intensity when algae forms on sand. 3 otocats, 1 catfish, 35 tetra's.

[@Viktorious13]

This is the best explanation of plant melt back that I've ever heard. I understand that it happens, and I know patience is the key, but I appreciate knowing what is happening. I am planning a soil based, low tech tank, and this is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@comment.highlighted]

I’m looking to switch to soil for my aquarium and this really helped me feel more confident in doing it. Thank you. Subscribed 🙂

[@bigmiguel80]

Do you have a video actually setting up one of said tanks with organic soil, and how you layer the substrate and what other layers/substrates are used?

[@bigmiguel80]

@Reclusiarch Grimaldus thanks...

[@kimo5379]

@Reclusiarch Grimaldus i have spare black reptile sand, will that work?

[@kimo5379]

@Reclusiarch Grimaldus the size and texture is like rocksalt

[@kimo5379]

@Reclusiarch Grimaldus thank you! I'd try that

[@LearningsExperienceAquarian]

Hello dude u can watch here Aquarium setup with organic soil kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneng2h8dtKWp7s

[@FKJ_WORLD]

Many novice thinks its safe just getting soil from their backyard and place in aquarium. This in many cases works to the detriment of aquatic life especially fish, when soil has traits of fertilizers or pesticides. While not all chemicals kills aquatic life, chemicals in aquarium soil may affect fish stress levels, breeding habits and results in fish tubers and other diseases. Plants in substrates are really nice to look at. Like your conversation on this. It would be great if you had a follow up video which looks at the flip side of this share, choosing the inappropriate soil for aquarium, the negative effects. Appreciate the chat brotha It was deep.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Man, that is a really good point. This is one of the main reasons they talk about having organic soil because it is free of those fertilizers, pesticides, and other additives that WILL be harmful to the aquatic life. I think the soil from the yard is safe. You always have runoff into ponds and creeks without detrimental effects on the animals. However, natural water ways are a HUGE difference than aquariums. Good Idea on the opposing side topic bud!

[@gabesaquatics8495]

Thats some valid points! Thanks for sharing!👍

[@deancornett4432]

If you have flower beds that grow big healthy flowers then you will have dirt that will grow aquarium plants. Just use a collander to sift out roots small stones and such. The one caveat I'd add is that it needs to have some clay which a lot of people will already have in there soil.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Very good point! Thanks for sharing with the community buddy!

[@treydonnell2871]

Ehh, I'd be weary of bringing in pest?

[@bjg6775]

Been wanting to try a soil tank. I'm going to get a bag tonight. Thanks

[@madelinejackson981]

About to dirt my 55 gallon. It's the first tank visible when guests come over and ready to make it all natural😍. Great video!

[@madeinthegetto]

Madeline Jackson same thing right here any updates on how it’s worked for you?

[@krishnak3754]

@Realistically Dazed try to use vermi compost and chicken manure together

[@SuperWaterAquatics]

Great video. I've used a few different organic potting soils over the years and haven't noticed any difference as long as it's organic soil but plant growth is always great.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks buddy! That's really good to know! Do you happen to remember which brands?

[@SuperWaterAquatics]

@@OtterCreekAquatics "I can only remember the first one it was Miracle Gro organic. The one they have out now is different and I haven't used it.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@@SuperWaterAquatics I searched for the miracle gro organic forever! Finally gave up hahaha

[@meghanbradburn8869]

@@OtterCreekAquatics Me as well! It is the big recommended one but I couldn't find it. So happy you took the time to find an alternative and tell us about it!

[@toddbigeasy]

How is the long term success using a dirted substrate? Did you ever have algae issues? I'm considering using dirt myself.

[@2011Illumination]

I had dirted for year, starting it will have such problem, but within week it will settle down, then u will no need worried bout algae, but headache on always trimming those beautiful overgrown plants, hohoho

[@MrGoldenArms357]

ood stuff. i switched all my tanks to deep substrate. loving it.

[@timothy_b03]

Im thinking about using dirt, putting eco complete on it to keep the substrate having a decent cec value and then capping with pool filter sand. How does this sound?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

That sounds amazing! I have been thinking about that a lot and I honestly think that dirt with eco complete on top would be the best substrate mix of all time

[@Absentminded.9423]

Imma use this for a twenty gallon! I'm gonna use sand and gravel as cap, thanks for the advice.

[@th3challenger895]

Really helpful man.Im looking forward to making a planted aquarium for cheap.I was gonna use the soil from my back yard,but after seeing this I'm definitely gonna buy that bag

[@chaatboxx6127]

Just saw your video! Pure honesty and genuine! I wish you non stop success! Thanks for all the tips!👍

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment! Keep being amazing!!! 🤗

[@chadcrotts870]

Appreciate the video; I’m going to be dirting one of my 20s in the near future.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

No problem buddy! definitely do it, it's a lot of fun. Do you have any concerns about doing it that I could potentially make a video on?

[@citizenjane3648]

I am setting up my 6ft standard tank this weekend as a planted tank using soil topped with coarse river sand, I have a cannister filter with UV as filtration, and have also ordered a CO2 setup and extra lighting.

[@Bobby11]

"It needs to be Organic because theres no excess nutrients.." EXACTLY what i was wondering.. Since so many have chicken poo, blood and bone etc.

[@sonographe]

do you think emergent plants absorb nitrate better with bare roots in the water, or with the roots inside the soil substrate?

[@jonnyshock9165]

I have a 75-gallon goldfish tank and I have a shallow sand substrate. Can I use this soil in pots with a pebble top layer to stop the soil leaching out?

[@stefanritchie7667]

I use tropica substrate and then a 3cm layer of pettex Roman gravel on top seems to do a excellent job enabling me to grow any plants on a regular 12 watt led light

[@2012takvas]

Would it be safe to use soil and CaribSea Eco-Complete as a substrate for a planted aquarium?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yes it would, honestly In my opinion this Is the best combination available

[@debrascheer4577]

I put dirt on the bottom then eco complete then caped it so far so good

[@Fauxkerykes]

I can see you sitting on the floor of Walmart looking through soil for your aquarium for hours - that's basically what I did. Though, I'm of Russian/Mongolian descent so my eyes are a lot... smaller than yours. 😅😂. You've them big eyes.👀 I, on the other hand, am always getting accused of being high. 😄 Good video, I'm going to pick some up for my other tank set up. I appreciate it.

[@teknacious]

loved the vid man very honest subbed and liked keepem coming

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@AquaApprentice]

Lol “she thought I was trying to grow something illegal”

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

She really did lol. She said what are you growing? I said plants in an aquarium, she goes I've never seen them grown that way. I said you've never seen aquarium plants? She said oh, I just thought you were using the aquarium to grow pot plants. I said WTF lmao! She then said I've never seen someone your age be that into soil hahaha

[@AquaApprentice]

@@OtterCreekAquatics LOL

[@artsparadisopracticaleduca4378]

Funny and honest. I love it!

[@TheMechnicalOwl]

Thanks so much for the knowledge on this subject. I will be going to this method on my next few tank builds to hopefully have them same success. Cheers

[@vinniediego]

Way positive vibes....always used ADA Amazonia....but now want to try regular organic like The Walstad method by Diane Walstad. I've seen my friends never going back to aquasoil ever since saw such immense growth regular potting soil. Starting my first Walstad this week in a cube 50x50x50

[@RandySoWavvy]

You can cut out a lot of stress and worry by going to an aquarium store and buying your soil there at least then you know the soil is safe for aquariums and fish. Just do the research on the brands there look at the pros and cons consider what nutrients are more important for your aquarium and buy the one that matches up with your needs. I personally went with Fluval soil but that was years ago. I’m thinking about getting back into fish tanks but the price of fluval soil has doubled so I’ll be looking for a cheaper option if possible.

[@TexasAndyAquatics]

I have 20+planted tanks and have 9 dirted tanks running right now. I use the Miracle-Gro organic potting soil the most. I tried the raised need version just because it was all they had one day years ago and set up 2 tanks with it and had them going for 8 months before i changed substrates on it and i saw no ill effects. The raised bed version did contain compost organics in it unlike the potting soil but it didn't seem to raise nitrates or anything inn that amount of time. I have recently set up a tank with earthworm castings about a week ago so far so good. Earthworm castings are more expensive for the amount you get but you don't have to put so much of it in the tank due to the higher amount of nuitrients in it. I've seen others use it(including mike from the AQUAPROS channel)so i am not worried about it failing. you don't need but1-2in soil and 1-2inch substrate cap(sand,gravel,ect)Just remember to change water often when you first set up a dirted tank to get the water clear and don't worry it will get crystal clear after about 3-6 water changes. It is go practice to try to pick out as much wood from the soil before putting in the tank. I use 2 diff size pata strangers i got from dollar store to get most of the wood out. Depending on the amount of wood left in the soil it could cause the tank to get a little brown at first every now and then due to tannins. Although it looks unsightly to most ppl it will go away. Also once you've planted the plants try not to move them too much because it does pull up some soil causing a little mess but don't let that deter you from experimenting with the walstad method(dirted tanks). I recommend everyone to check out the walstad method book by diana walstad it is the most informative book out there on how to do a dirted tank. GOOD LUCK Y'ALL

[@oneworld279]

This is great info; I’m going the organic potting soil route! Many thanks and to OP!

[@LydiaMohr]

Is there anything you need to do to the soil before putting it in a tank?

[@nathananderton8546]

I used organic Miracle grow with worm castings but am now trying Fluval Stratem under a deep sand cap.

[@2011Illumination]

Not much different. Assure u that. Been there. In fact potting soil even grow massive

[@derpinbird1180]

I used depleted potting soil from an old pot plant I forgot to water. Worked alright but I made the layer of sand a bit too thin.

[@cakehut5970]

Did you boil the soil before using it? Or did you do something?

[@simplelifewithbabya7082]

Why is there white and black soil? Sorry I am just new fish owner, I want our aquarium to be all natural so I am planning to get plants in it too just the rotala and frogbits for low maintenance but I am wondering if I still need soil for the rotala? Any advice?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

The bottom layer is soil, the white layer is sand. You dont have to have soil for rotala as it gets most of it's food from the water column, so definitely get some liquid fertilizers and root tabs. I wouldn't let the frogbit get out of hand because it will take all the food and could end up blocking out the light. I hope this helps!

[@raychelb6904]

Great information very helpful & well made video, straight to the point Thanks 4Sharing

[@fownine4life853]

Did it cause a ammonia or nitrogen spike initially? How soon did u add your fish after setting it up?

[@makaylamonroe2421]

Hi! I just did this in my 6 gal Fluval Edge about a week and a half ago. Been a few years since I had tanks and starting to get back into the hobby. I put about an inch of the baked organic soil and capped with aquarium sand. Over the last week, te water has become yellow with I'm assuming tannins from the soil. Did you do water changes to clear up the water? Tannins won't go away unless you change the water right? Helpful video- thanks

[@rippenxwhiskey4358]

Have a 125g and ik going to be doing heavy planting. Would you still suggest running the soil in the 125 over substrate from a store?

[@cincinnatinorthernkentucky2224]

Greetings from one state over. Great post!

[@invertevision4757]

Setting up my first tank tonight and bought this exact same soil 2 weeks ago so to see this video moment before seeing it up made me happy! Im a new sub thats for sure! Representing Tennesse here!

[@invertevision4757]

Also, what im ba sand is that you have in there? Pool filter sand? Just curious

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Awesome buddy! Definitely keep in touch and let me know how it does for you! And yes its pool filter sand

[@karencobleigh1164]

I got cow soil. I'm leaving it in a bucket for 2 weeks after rinsing it. I want to make a hill in the back of my tank with plants. The plants are in my tank. I'm waiting. To get more knowledge. I have sand for the top. Two 55 gallon tanks and one ten gallon with babies. It's getting alittle crazy. I have a red head geophagus coming and a gold Severum. I'm hoping to set it all up soon. I'm keeping track of my nitrate and ammonia. 🙏🙏🙏😄😇🐠🐠🐠Thank you!

[@erwinwinkler6172]

Do you only use the soil or do you put a layer of some type of aquarium substrate on top??

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I put pool filter sand on top of it, then pea gravel on top the pool filter sand!!! Hope this helps!

[@meghanbradburn8869]

@@OtterCreekAquatics Why the sand layer? I know to put a cap on the soil just wondering why you decided to do two caps

[@suman5492]

Is it okay to add only an inch of vermicompost capped with two inches of sand? Or do I need to soak the compost for a day or two to remove the excess nutrients?

[@Sugarcube599]

This is my first dirted aquarium and I have been going insane trying to find the right soil to use! Do you have any suggestions on how to set up the tank with the soil?

[@egoranonymous3223]

I only know that it should be organic. What did you decide on? And does it seem to be working? I'm setting up my first aquarium in 20 years and it seems like everything has changed.

[@SOULCONQUEST]

i recently set up planted community fish tank an organic potted soil fish tank using 2 and a half inches of Organic potting soil topped with an inch of Potting Grit and finally a cm of sand here is the result week 12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5m3nX2wib2WsMk

[@supRcoolguy]

Awesome video. Will subscribe and dirt my 135 gallon tank with this!

[@kayeguya]

HOPE U GUYS CAN ANSWE THIS.. CAN I USE AQUARIUM SOIL .FOR VEGETABLES PLANTS?

[@david89065]

Yes, if it's safe on fish it's safe for your garden bed/vegetables.

[@RallyConejo]

Hey I followed the recommendations for setting up a planted aquarium with soil (using Rio Cafe XF as a cap) - Super Helpful. Curious if anyone has had any trouble with snails in these setups. I am having a massive snail problems with the tanks I set soil in despite good water parameters.

[@hugomeza3288]

are you implying that you suspect the snails came with the soil?

[@RallyConejo]

@@hugomeza3288 no no I can't keep snail alive in this setup

[@TheSdfkjh]

@@RallyConejo did you resolve this?

[@RallyConejo]

@@TheSdfkjh Nope, I ended up going a different route after having a different soil issue later and really gave up on it. I am using multiple different types of substrates to simulate how soil works.

[@R4V1D]

Do you use any other ferts in addition to the dirt? like flourish ?

[@rufusjean-baptiste]

How about using organic raised garden bed soil will that work

[@petroman-cg8tt]

is your tank still doing good with the jiffy soil, i may use it in my 90 gallon tank if it worked for you. i use fluval stratum with a sand cap, but the problem is it lowers my ph. my ph is low because i raise discus but the stratum makes it to low. Thanks joe h navy seabee

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yes it worked really well, but its starting to slow down after a year or so. With discus I would honestly go with something created by the hobby just because it's probably more stable. What plants are you trying to grow

[@starofeden9277]

wow awsum dude im gonna try soil also

[@muddypalmsera]

Are you growing any Monte Carlo with soil substrate, but no Co2?

[@TheWaterBox]

Doing great! Keep it up buddy!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks man! Means a lot!!!

[@donavanwhyte8694]

I used organic potting soil in my new freshwater planted aquarium. I have changed 95% of the water 11 times and the water is still dark. How much more water changes must I do before the soil stop leaching into the water. The soil is covered with 3 inches of course and fine gravel and i do not disturb the gravel when I am adding the water.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

It may never settle if you have have changed that much water and its still leaching. I never had any issues with that. You may try adding a little more of the fine gravel on top?

[@SOULCONQUEST]

dont water change until everything is settled adding constant new water isnt a good idea i waited 3 days no nothing just left the tank to settle then i added in my filtration and did a water change roughly 50 percent but when i replaced the water i used a pipe to slowly let the water back in keeping the flow towards the top i did this twice in 2 weeks then added my plants within a month i had added over 20 plants. most were doing well i few did not. but those that did have thrived. i recently set up planted community fish tank an organic potted soil fish tank using 2 and a half inches of Organic potting soil topped with an inch of Potting Grit and finally a cm of sand here is the result week 12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5m3nX2wib2WsMk .

[@Absentminded.9423]

I am new to the hobby, but would it work as a blackwater tank?

[@Ryin88]

do you have a video of you using and setting up a tank with the jiffy?

[@chippiza]

Thanks! This is very helpful.

[@amj.composer]

You're so good at explaining!!!!

[@violahopsalot162]

I haven’t tried the soil tank. I have rocks. Is it possible to put a little soil in the 00 gel caps and place those under the rock substrate?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I have honestly not done this, but I have thought about it because I'm mad I have all these tanks without soil lol. It's definitely not going to hurt, and if you could put it right under the root ball it would definitely help. I am going to try it out!

[@vb2377]

Otter Creek Aquatics Dirt is actually a good natural root tabs for plants if you are in need of micro nutrients. Dirt has all the micro nutrients one may need

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@@vb2377 Thanks for the input buddy! Definitely going to try them.

[@gabesaquatics8495]

VB 23 Good point!

[@aquariumtuning8269]

Did you add anything else to the organic soil besides the cap gravel layer?

[@litamarie8902]

thanks for this video ... the planted tank world pretty much laughed when i said im using organic potting soil. lol. It'sopped with a bit of Eco complete and pea gravel...the color of the water is pretty green/yellow, but it's still in it's first week of cylcing.

[@Yasmine_Beauty_LA]

I'm trying to make a bamboo tank will this work for them as well I'm trying to do more research

[@Funsun39]

Are you capping the soil. If so. What are you using as a cap?

[@45kittyboo]

Filter pool sand he use black diamond sand

[@bricks10751]

Awesome my friend thank you

[@paulgaligheriii7978]

What is the plant called at 3:46?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

It is an amazon sword

[@Endtimescoming]

Well I got some potting soil out of a pot we had outside last year, then I got me some mineral soil from the garden mixed them 50/50 and put an inch in the bottom of a tank then I capped that with 2 inches of black diamond blasting sand. Been up for a little over a month now and doing great.

[@cakehut5970]

Did you boil the soil before using it? Or did you do something?

[@2011Illumination]

Don't need boil the soil, but u can boil the river sand just incase.

[@lexicordova154]

HELPPPP. I’m trying to grow a carpet BUT I accidentally bought aqueon substrate thinking it was soil (I’m new to this) Will my carpet still grow ?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Which plant is it?

[@lexicordova154]

It’s called Tropical Hygrophila

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I've never had that variety of hygrophila and couldn't find any info on it, but all the hygro I have had is a stem plant in which it doesn't really carpet. If it is a stem plant once it grows big enough cut it in half and just plant your trimmings. Hope this helps

[@lexicordova154]

Otter Creek Aquatics I forgot to mentioned I bought seeds I don’t have that plant && thanks for replying! Appreciate it

[@mbastos1000]

Faaaaaaaannnnnnnnttttaaaaasssssttttttiiiiiccccccc!!!!! Thanks!

[@jaydavis8394]

Love the vid! Great info.

[@odeon7834]

I'm in Australia, cant find this but found Jiffy seed starting pellets, you reckon I can use those as substrate?

[@pezmojado8275]

Nice fishroom. One year already past since you made this video. I wonder if your organic soil is still working without adding any fertilizers yet?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Should I make a video on it? The plants are still exploding!!!

[@pezmojado8275]

That would be great. Now I'm going to do the same on a 10 gallon tank. Thank you for all your tips and information.

[@herbeenc8042]

@@OtterCreekAquatics pls make an update video I'm about to this on my fluval flex 9.

[@prasanthperumal495]

I got a bag of organic fertilizer and added it to my tank below the substrate. It seems that there where urea granules in it and it started creating ammonia bubbles. there arent any fishes in it but it started stinking.

[@angelosalazar4596]

It's pretty crazy that your plants are doing so good because that jiffy seed starter mix has no nutrients it's just peat moss with a tiny amount of vermiculite

[@zackarybanner543]

Can you please get up with me when you have the opportunity I am wanting to set up a aquarium with organic soil like yours but I have a few questions about how everything went and how did you put your soil in wet or dry

[@shariman1590]

Awesome video, very informative and inspiring. Trying to create a paludarium for my gold fish I had for almost 3 years in a water fountain. Do you think this is ok for him?

[@vincentlee2460]

Can you share what is the composition of the JIFFY organic seed starting mix? We are not in USA, might not have this brand Jiffy. Many thanks

[@2guysdoingashow579]

Is one bag enough for a 10 gallon? I plan on capping it with sand. Thanks!

[@SOULCONQUEST]

3 Inches then a couple of inches of sand fill into a swallow bowl otherwise the tank is going to be a mess when u pour in the water.

[@adnanshaikh6550]

Can we add discuss to the organic soil planted setup? Post cycle period?

[@lorrieotter5232]

Awesome video Kendall ♥️

[@larrysimmons6082]

Sounds like me..and very good vid lol ..keep up the good work and I will be watching more of ur videos .thanks

[@MrMisanthrope1RBjr]

anyone of the potting soils work, works very well. plants grow well, fish grow well. im going to get dirt from bottom of lake and try that stuff.

[@learningtofishkeep665]

Very nice bro! I haven’t used soil yet but will do in the future!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks brother. Definitely try it out!

[@marciosarvezuksarvezuk]

Parabéns pelos vídeos 👏👏

[@salty_potatoes7838]

How many inches of dirt would you reccomend?

[@shesellsfish]

Good info on your soil tanks. I haven't tried this yet. It is something I plan on in the future. 👍💕👍

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you!!!! Definitely try it out!

[@joerodriguez6048]

The substrate/sand mixes quickly with the soil. So I'm going to try to put some polyfill down before I put the substrate/sand on top of the soil with openings around the plant What do you think?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I've had sand and gravel on top of my soil for over a year now and the layers are still there

[@pklechn]

My pad of montecarlo pad I got melted back and I threw it away cause I thought it was dying and I didn’t want a ammonia spike😕

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yea, you don't want to throw it away!!! You may have to pull dead leaves from the melt back but ive never had issues with ammonia spikes from melt backs.

[@bennylam790]

Hola.. Can i plant carpet grass with that soil?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I haven't tried to carpet anything with it as all the tanks I have it in are only 10gallon tanks and me not using co2. What size tank are you looking to set up?

[@bennylam790]

Well my tank is pretty big approximately 71 gallons or 268 litres.. I'm planning to plant it with carpet seeds, but those ADA kind of soil.. way too much expensive to cover my whole tank,so i thought maybe the soil you used is little much cheaper.. And i haven't got any experience in planting tanks, so I'm afraid of failures 😀😀😀

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@@bennylam790 for 1, don't be afraid to fail because it will teach you so much about what plants need. 2, if I'm being completely honest I would go with an ADA Aqua soil and then cap it with eco complete. That way it's a little cheaper on you and you can still receive max benefits

[@bennylam790]

@@OtterCreekAquatics thanks for the suggestion.. That is something that i would certainly like to try.. 👍👍👍👍

[@abhishekmullick7560]

Hi.. I have set up my first planted aquarium.. the substrate i used was organic garden soil.. bt after a week the water started smelling very bad and the roots were all melting... i was not using any source of carbon or not using filter and extra fertilizer... I want to know that its normal or not and what should i do next to prevent it...

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

No it's not normal. I'm not sure exactly what would have cause it in your tank, without more information. what did you do? Has it gotten better?

[@cecileqwertyuiop098]

I had the same problem when my water pump and light were off for days so i did several water changes and after a while it went back to normal. You have to create water movement on the surface with the water pump directed to the top so the oxygen can get into the water

[@lotnaula]

Great information . Thanks !!

[@YahooNicaragua]

Can i add My Fish Right Away Ones i put this soil in the tank?

[@juancolin129]

Do i ever have to replace the soil because i heard it can rot?

[@AquariumThoughts]

Awesome Video. Thanks. I think I'm going to do a soiled approach with my 17.7G Cube when I get that up and running. But need stand first...baby steps...baby steps.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks buddy! Definitely try it out man! No baby steps bro, jump in!!!

[@AquariumThoughts]

@@OtterCreekAquatics Lol I was talking about baby steps into getting my tank setup. And of course, you just add a big one because now I'm going to be roaming around Home Depot for about 8 hours looking at each bag of soil like 10 times each until I pick the "right" one and then going back to return the "right" one and spend another 8 hours seeking the true "right" one.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Great video!!! Thank you for sharing your experience and expertise. It really helps a lot! 👍🌿🐟🌱✌️

[@koringalvao9458]

did you have to sift the soil before adding?

[@coastyken7370]

If the soil has alot of stuff in it like wood chips and stuff

[@underwaterculture2625]

by oxygen you mean c02. but i get you. enjoyed the video

[@VermisterraEarthwormCastings]

Thanks for this info. BTW your link for "lighting" doesn't work anymore