Soil Planted Tank - Maintenance and Setup Tips

[@brendap8675]

I have different experience with my dirt tank that I have been keeping for about 20ish years, as long as you plant enough of the right kind of plant and don't mass over stock. I don't have issues like ammonia, death or cloudy water in any of the many tanks I keep, even new setups. I never vaccum, use filters except for a sponge on tanks bigger than 55g more for water movement. I always add Rams, pond and MTS to complete the little ecosystem along with shrimp since all have a job, but since it is a closed system I do make water changes at least 3-4 times a year at best. I didn't need to change out dirt on my 75g for 10yrs, my biggest issue I have is massive plant growth and reproduction with livestock, very little algae since plants grow so well even with photo period of 10hr winter and 12h summer. Amazing how well plants will grow in dirt...who knew....

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for the insights Brenda! I'm sure it'll help!

[@davescheer5038]

Brenda, I'm interested in doing a natural self sustaining tank,any tips on how to get it up and started with out problems, thanks Mr.Dave

[@peachimonn]

Commenting kind of late to this but this solidifies the myth that soil needs to be replaced. Just keeping the ecosystem going I think is key, Thank you

[@gordonminard1696]

Into planted aquariums for 2 yrs. at 70 y.o., my 1st was a muddy disaster, cloudy water forever !!! Recently discovered "The Water Box man" and he is the greatest. His vids are "no-non sense", straight to the point, easy to follow aka NO BS !!! His presentations are spot-on fantastic !!! No-names mentioned but I saw one YT vid, good visional, good background music, zero info value, a total waste of time !!! "The Water Box Man" is a class act !!! Thank you for being so helpful !!!

[@meggrotte4760]

So what you're telling me is you just use potting soil or is it dirt outside the backyard? I'm an American living in Taiwan and until this year I never saw a bag of aquarium soil sold in any pet store. we have gravel that's natural but we also have colored gravel so when I started out the seven things I have about two years ago. I did themes related to colored gravel. I have all life plants with Driftwood and the only thing I've ever done is used liquid fertilizer. I have bettas and it's so incredibly hot in Taiwan but we don't need heaters actually. I have a filters. But until recently I never actually used a gravel vac. Would gently speak out my fishsince all my plans were attached to drift word or they just were floating in the water because their floaters. I would take everything out and clean the tanks. Since last week I added plants that you just put into gravel. First and plants and I decided well why not get a gravel vac since I was able to find one that didn't cost 50 US dollars. In Taiwan plants are quite inexpensive but everything else cost alot. I don't know if we have organic soil. Can't even find organic food usually. We have potting soil. I just really don't want to have to spend $40 for one 1L of aquarium soil. amazingly I don't even use CO2 and these plants that I have an anchor doing quite fine. I will be putting root tabs into the gravel as well as using liquid fertilizer.

[@dieyoung8259]

After years of Youtubing and asking millions of questions on different channels, you sir by far are the quickest to respond to questions. You are a valuable asset to the beginner. You help us stay motivated and help us save tons of money. Thank you very much.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad to help. It's easy right now as I am not completely swamps with questions all the time. I did have to cut off questions coming in from person accounts now though. I only answer questions on my youtube comments or in our facebook group.

[@tx_storm6332]

just now found your channel! I'm glad I did...I'm new to live plant/fish aquariums and found your videos worth the time to watch! Love your knowledge, down-to-earth and honest tips, easy to understand explanation, and your humor!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@AntoineFinch]

i can't get enough of The Water Box has helped me more thAn any other Aquarium guide on KZbin

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@tiffanyhufford3140]

I love this channel. Even though I’m new to the hobby, other channels or podcasts can be too simplistic. I know I’m always going to get the info I need from The Water Box!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Tiffany! ❤

[@GrammaTilla]

Never thought garden soil. So many wonderful tips. And if I ever consider a soiled tank. . . . this is my first video "must watch".

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Julia!

[@taniamans2026]

I really like you. You get to the point and explain things clearly. Not like some other people that really irritate the living daylights out of me. Thanks for good content.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thank you so much 😊

[@atomicwinter31]

I WAS LITERALLY SETTING UP MY SOIL TANK WHEN WATCHING THIS OH MY GOD

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha, Hoped it helped

[@rickybell6356]

I'm sitting here waiting to do a 55l with soil , but can't get plants yet , covid :(

[@santiagoduh8275]

I've been occasionally falling into your videos and so today I've finally subscribed! (sorry for the delay) love your videos, keep it going!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for subbing!

[@sunbear76re]

Love your videos!! I have a idea of how to dye to my knowledge, but it’s always good to hear an experienced tank user explain stuff like this. I enjoy your journey and can’t wait to tackle this project. I’m using fluval substrate, but it’s just not cutting it. I wanna match the actual biology that will benefit my ecosystem. :) excited

[@thewatcher9778]

a tip i learned when doing soil with a sand cap is fill the tank just enough to get the soil soaked then place your plants and then add the cap around them and as you fill your tank with water you can spread the cap a little easier and have less mess from the soil getting on top of the cap but doing this is if you know where and how you want your plants ahead of time

[@TheWaterBox]

Good tip! Thanks for commenting!

[@harryme472]

Brilliant advice , thank you.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped

[@queenmelisandre1442]

this is one of my fave videos. chock full of helpful info and the dirty gesture jokes had me cackling at my desk

[@TheWaterBox]

I TRY not to put in those innuendo jokes but I'm immature that way sometimes. /le sigh.

[@theallseeingeye9388]

I regularly vacuum my top substrate cap of my dirted tank uaing a siphon. I not only vacuum the gravel, I also use the siphon when I want to open up sections of my soil due to various reasons. The trick is flow control. Control is by bending the hose at about waist level and constantly asjusting flow rate and suction strength by squeezing or letting go the bend a little. And another tip. 7.15 of the video showing the AS being pulled out of the tank. I stick a pair of thin scissors into the base of the plant and snip off between the bottom of the plant and its roots. . I use this on any stem plant that has been in the tank for sometime and is growing well. Pulling the plant out without the roots causes very minimum soil disturbance.

[@TheWaterBox]

Great tips!

[@clovs]

Could you explain in your videos what the terminology means like "dosing your water column and capping your soil" thank you

[@TheWaterBox]

Good idea for a video. Will do

[@victorescalona7760]

Wow. Incredibly knowledgeable, thank you sir.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CanineGrowTime]

I have been using your videos for advice. I'm new to planted tanks and so far... I'm happy that I haven't killed all my plants within a week like LAST TIME. You're pretty funny as well. "Anaerobic pockets... You don't want that - it's BAD" XD hilarious.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad the vids help and you enjoy! :) thanks!

[@loveitorleaveit9673]

You are entertaining, informative and hilarious! I love your videos!!! Just subscribed.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@mattcero1]

This guy's quick and very informative! I might have to subscribe.

[@TheWaterBox]

I appreciate that!

[@RyanNiemer]

I’m glad I caught that comment about not needing carbon in my planted tank. The new tank came with a bag of carbon to put into the foam filter, but I’ll just save it until I need it, if ever. Also I’ll send you a picture of the soil I’m going to try. It’s leftover from my brother’s tank

[@TheWaterBox]

Awesome! Pic me over at the facebook group or instagram :)

[@patsysomerton32]

Just the video I was looking for. Thanks so much for this upload.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped!

[@dianab9153]

HI! I currently have a carbon filter in my planted tank having no idea it was taking out the nutrients the plants need to grow! Should I take the little carbon sack and leave the filter running to allow the water to be kept in motion? What kind of filter can I use? Please help! :o thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

Any normal filter will work. You do as you said, take out the carbon sack if you can. Or take out the carbon by slitting the sponge sack if your filter is using those. You only need carbon if you need to clear up the water... etc. Once it's clear, take out the carbon and toss it. I never run any chemical filtration unless I need it. Chemical meaning, carbon, chemipure, Phos-sorb.. anything that treats the water chemically. The most important thing is the bio (bio balls, lava rock, ceramics) and mechnical (floss, sponge).

[@dianab9153]

@@TheWaterBox thank you so much!!

[@TheWaterBox]

No prob.

[@VeronicaMartinezSoberano]

This comment might just solve my problem, I have plants that died and some plants at the brink of it. I didnt know this about carbon filters, been keeping my carbon sponge in these past 3 months!

[@magdavaughan9370]

Just set up small 5 gallon waisted set up. It's certainly been an eye opener. Am on week two. No fish just some snails. Tried plants before but not successful. So fingers crossed. Long term want to put my Betta in. It's a learning curve. Thanks for all your tips. They have been helpful

[@TheWaterBox]

Sounds perfect! Hope it goes well!

[@magdavaughan9370]

Thank you. Will keep you posted!

[@TheWaterBox]

Awesome!

[@driftindriftwood7301]

You should have more subs bro. Great informative channel !!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS: ☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK ☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA ☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY ☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz ☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4

[@rohitmeshram5249]

The Water Box i would love to do soil tank when i get my new tank. :) And another by using beach sand too.

[@TheWaterBox]

Sounda like a great plan!

[@joashplayer9592]

I have a 40 gal soil tank. I capped with 1 1/2 inch of small gravel. The soil has been in there for a year now and it is still supporting a lot of plant life! Should I gravel vac wkly? Should I wash my filters wkly?

[@yousifa4002]

Now I am 😛😛

[@JR-kr9cb]

How can you cure your driftwood from tannis

[@conniefrieders6294]

Great video! Thank you for breaking it down for us newbies to dirt tanks 🙂

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad it helps!

[@stormtrooper2010]

Chung, I started up a new 5 gallon nano Betta (Betah, Beata ?!?, I grew up hearing them called Bait-a fish, so I'm going with that) tank, heavily planted, over stocked, etc. Just getting back into the hobby again after more than 15 years out if it, WOW lots of new stuff, Led lights, Soil substrate, Live plants... ok, the plants may have been in the mix all along, but I was doing salt water then. In any case as I ramble on, I love your videos, very informative for an OLD SALT, returning to the hobby and playing catch up. FYI, I did the Fluval CO2 kit, the 45g setup on the tank after I had it up for a few weeks and watched more videos about it. I found it very temperamental, the regulator was IMPOSSIBLE to adjust by hand once you had pierced the seal on the CO2 cartridge and there was pressure on the line, I had to use a crescent wrench to adjust it, then once adjusted I just left it going. I did watch your video series on CO2 once I had it setup and realized the waste of having it going all the time, currently it's out of the mix, and I'm just using the Fluval Flourish Excel, seem like a good source of CO2 with less hassle. I'm gonna try and catch a live chat, and I'm not sure where to ask this question, or even if you go back and cruise these old videos for new posts... here goes. If I have a 5 gallon tank (Marineland Portrait), Eco-complete soil, lots of plants, a chunk of spider wood and a few river rocks, how many inches of fish would you dare put in that tank? I've got more in depth details about it, but let me know with a reply, where the best place to post that might be for a discussion with you or other readers on your channel. Thanks, keep the videos coming, they & YOU, are Great!!!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Well, BAY-ta vs Be-ta is potay-to vs pa-ta-toe but you might want to keep it at Be-ta so you don't get attacked by the beta nazi's. If you're returning from the hobby after 15 year, mainly the tech has changed, not too much of the process. People just don't cycle with live fish much anymore (as really, no need to) and some of the knowledge has excelled since. Take it from someone we jumped back into it after 20 so years. ;)

[@deneng0259]

Wow! Great this is what i am looking for. Setting up 18" raised water box 60 gallon outside. Changed it after watching your video's and just put a 30% shade sun block up. I probably will fail but like the 2 guppies living in the box facing the Northwest i am not giving up. Lots of plants added.

[@TheWaterBox]

Sounds like a plan!

[@samheaton9928]

Hey I know this video is old but I am doing a soil substrate with a gravel cap I’m getting organic potting mix from a local home improvement store. I’m wondering where to get the clay I need a cheaper version. I’m setting up a 150 gallon ?

[@TheWaterBox]

You can grab a bag of original seachem flourite and mix it in with the soil. Make sure to wash the fourite well before adding. Otherwise I buy them on amazon here: amzn.to/3de7ICe . Make them into little balls (like 1/2") and leave overnight the harden. Just like I did in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ_Ol4d3nZh8bq8

[@tayh3645]

To anyone having trouble finding "old-school" kittylitter you can also find similar substances at a car parts store, being sold as an "oil absorbent." NAPA carries an oil absorbent made of diatomaceous earth. It doesn't break down and has a huge surface area (good for beneficial bacteria) because of micropores (made up of fossilized diatoms) Advance Auto parts carries a similar product but it is made out of calcined clay, it does break down after a while but fills a similar purpose. (these are also great bonsai soil substitutes for those who can't afford Akadama)

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for the tip

[@mjsimet]

Would capping soil with Flourite be considered "double dipping"?

[@TheWaterBox]

No, that will work. Flourtie doesn't have active nutrients in it but doesn't have good trace amount of iron and other natural minerals in it.

[@ayeshaabdulghaffar7308]

Is it possible to use broken clay pot pieces instead of the pottery clay?

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm not sure about that.

[@Ttblondey]

Thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

No problem

[@ACAquatics]

I just can't bring myself to dirting a tank. Maybe one day but if I ever do I will refer back to this video. Thanks for sharing as always brother and keep doing what you do if it works for you.

[@TheWaterBox]

Maybe one day! :)

[@user-sv7cb6so1d]

2yrs old, just cheapest top soil from HD, no clay, no chemicals of any kind , no Co2, no water changes, I just add water from the tap as it goes evaporating, Ive got plants, ebay seeds carpeted and 9 goldfish just normal stuff. No problems yet , I DO clean the filter weekly with out fail. I DON'T over feed the fish they eat betta pellets. and I trim the 3 bigger plants as needed to make room for new shoots. If it crashes since im at your 2 yr mark ill let ya know.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for the comment! Definitely let me know :)

[@poundarikapuramandavanasra6151]

Very nice and helpful for me.Thank,s for your,s.❤️👌✌️💯

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@poundarikapuramandavanasra6151]

@@TheWaterBox Thanks for again.

[@TheWaterBox]

@@poundarikapuramandavanasra6151 np

[@diegobrown19]

That was a great fun and informative video bro, thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Great video!! Now I'm going to watch your other one! My next tank is going to be dirted.. and my research led me here!🌱🐟🌿🙏✌️

[@TheWaterBox]

YAY! Good luck!

[@jarryd_phillips]

How is it going with your dirted tank? It's been 4 months since your comment. Any tips for someone wanting to do a dirted tank?

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@jarryd_phillips hey my first dirted tank... It's a 15 gallon tall. Is actually doing incredible I absolutely love it!! Just finished setting up a 29 gallon two days ago and looking forward to seeing how it does!!!takes a little while in the beginning to balance out but water changes can really help with that!! 😁👍🌿🐟🌿💚

[@tresyel8691]

I have an already established 20 gallon tank with plants and fishes. My substrate is pure white fine gravel and I just use Root Tabs (Nutri Caps) near or underneath the plants. I dose regularly with Liquid Fertilizer (Macro, Micro, Carbon, & Calcium) and provide DIY CO2 (2 separate bottles & diffusers - enough to produce 15-20ppm CO2). At present, I'd like to add several more plants especially at the back behind a large driftwood at the center of the tank. Is it okay to just siphon off the gravel (just at the back where I plan to put additional tall plants as background), then put Aqua Soil at the base of the glass, then top it off again with the gravel I siphoned off? Or do I have to totally re-do my entire established tank?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yyou can do that. Or leave as is and add more tablets in the areas where you'l be planting more heavily.

[@maryhanisco6065]

9 months ago I changed my tank to a soil planted tank. I used organic soil topped with a layer of gravel and then caribsea sand. The plants have thrived, I have happy fish and perfect water.... But starting a few weeks ago soil is emerging on the top of the sand. I vacuum it up and then it reappears. I'm wondering what the cause could be and if I have to redo the whole thing. There some ramshorn snails-- could their movement be the cause? Thank you.

[@TheWaterBox]

Hi Mary! That just happens because the fish/snails are kicking up the cap so the soil gets turned up. It sound't like you have a shallow cap. I get that too when my cap is shallow (say, an inch or less). If I cap more, it usually solves most of the problem but it will still have come kick up's. It's not going to affect the fish or water unless the whole substrate gets upturned. Just vacumm it up and/or add more to the cap to thicken it a little.

[@hermionefinnigan]

I’m going to ask a silly question: Am I double-dipping if I add liquid nitrifying bacteria to my newly set up dirted tank? I’m thinking about speeding up the Nitrogen Cycle or using it to help lower an ammonia spike. Thank you for your help and time.

[@deneng0259]

I hope you are doing fine. Looking forward to hearing what you have been doing. My 40 breeder anoxic tank is doing great 1 year with 1 inch soil in middle total substrate depth including a 1 inch plenum is 4 inches . My new tank 40 breeder is 2" dirted and 2 " caped Turface 4-5 mm. Tank is 3 months old. Cory's and shrimp breeding 8 plecos and 4 bettas. I was told by Father fish too much soil and that i should cap it with sand. I do have 2 mm Carab Sea Super Naturals sand . Should i leave it alone or go ahead and cap the other 2 " of Carab sea. My aquarium is 20 inches tall by the way. Running CO2 and the water parameters are good. I think that the Turface has been striping the liquid ferts i put in every 4-5 days. Plant load only medium but they are growing out and replanting 3 types of stem plants, and S. Ripens , Pogustemi Helferi, AR mini . Been manually removing the algae that comes a little and run with Kessil 360 Tuna Sun at 50% intensity for 8 hours. I used Turface instead of kitty litter and laterite.

[@jackgallagher7360]

keep on doing videos they are very great and full of info

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Jack! I'm glad it helped!

[@valnez4794]

need to set up my 108 gallon tank again. was stupid when started it with stuff I bought from the stores. I am tired from adding fertilizer for the plants, water changing, cleaning and so on. Full time job! I have two smaller size aquariums that I have set up on "garden soil". No problem at all! It is like you "shot and forgot" it goes by itself. The best result I got from the mix of river bank (Fraser River) soil with garden soil (Home Depot). I sifted the soil from the rocks and big pieces of wood (size 1/8 probably) cover the bottom of my fish tank with 1.5 inch thickness, small rocks on the top and last was sand from Home Depot (quartz sand, not the cheap one). I did a mistake one time when put in fish tank cooper part (it was part of my filter that I made myself) and because of that cooper I have killed all my snails and shrimps. BTW snails and shrimp are perfect helpers for cleaning aquarium. I have never cleaned the glass of my aquarium because my snails done it very well. REGULAR SNAILS FROM NEAREST LAKE)))). And what I have spotted that population of the snails was changing from bigger to smaller depending on amount of algae on the glass of the fish tank. Good luck to every one who is starting aquarium with natural product that is given for free to us by our Mother Nature)))

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for sharing

[@valnez4794]

@@TheWaterBox welcome

[@TheWaterBox]

👍

[@Amanda-Drawzz]

Can I go without adding a clay substance??? And if so can I add air dry clay I have?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes on both accounts. You don't have to add clay substance and you should be able to add air dry clay assuming it's natural.

[@Samuel-dl2so]

I respect your opinion but just gonna share. My no filter, ferts, heater and co2 planted soil tank has been running for 1 year already and is still looking good, not too overgrown but not to neat either. My livestocks are 10 neon tetras, red cherry shrimp (they've been breeding so much, i lost count) and 1 pink ramshorn snail and several small pond snails and naturally occuring organisms like seed shrimp, infusoria etc. Its a 20g tank

[@TheWaterBox]

Nice! That's good to hear!

[@luketan5347]

You probably won’t see this, but your videos are amazing! I am planning on using soil and capping with Fluval Stratum, mainly because I like how stratum looks. Will this cause even more ammonia spikes?

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks, fluval stratum doesn't have any ammonia in it. The only ammonia spike you'll be getting is from the soil.

[@Thecaliforniaprincess]

So if I dont put the carbon in my filter do I just let it run with nothing in it? Ive been using the carbon filter the whole time with this new soil. I feel like I had an ammonia spike or something I just lost one of my loaches🥺 I had a feeling this soil needed a cap also its really messy and hard to clean. So im gonna get some gravel to put on the top. Thank you so much for this video. Did a water change I pray the other fish are okay🥺 Could it possibly be a c02overload ive been using a c02 booster every like 2 days it said its safe to use everyday following the measurments but the thing is what if the soil has carbon monoxide coming off of it): I wish the aquarium store workers told me this. I feel like they are stressed theyre rubbing on the soil but I see no sign of ick. One of my other loaches looks very pale. I did a half water change and put some stress coat in. Let me know any tips please!

[@TheWaterBox]

What is a CO2 booster? You talking about liquic in a bottle? That's not real co2 and depending who you talk to, doesn't do anything other than helping with algae. If you're dosing as per the instruction per bottle then you should be ok. You say new soil, when did you put it in? Did you just change the substrate in an established tank? Or did you just set up the tank? If you did, did you cycle your tank first? Yes, a cap always helps keep things clean and less of a stress for you to maintain. :)

[@AntoineFinch]

Can you put special kitty litter from Walmart on the bottom of tank and then miracle grow organic and then sand or gravel for a cap( 1/16) kitty litter on bottom

[@TheWaterBox]

I don't know what is in the kitty litter so I can't say. Assuming it's typical clay kitty litter with nothing additional added to then, yes, it can work.

[@AntoineFinch]

@@TheWaterBox yes it the brand Walmart sell clay no sent non clumping 20lbs in Ga 3.89 a bag, thanks waiting to join you on Facebook woohoo

[@TheWaterBox]

@@AntoineFinch should work then!

[@AntoineFinch]

@@TheWaterBox thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

np!

[@curvingfyre6810]

how long soil lasts also depends on other factors of your system. Where your filtration takes place. What you do with trimmed plants. your animal stocking. Your type of cap. In a really strong tank, your depleted soil will be refertilised naturally, as droppings and decaying plant matter falls back through your cap into the dirt layer. This happens differently depending on the grit size of your cap, and what organics are decomposing.

[@UKRANINSKY]

Hi to everyone, I'm on the process of doing a dirt tank I prepare the ingredients, but I went on vacation for a week and totally forgot about that dirt that I left on the back yard, so I got back last night, this morning I checked the bucket and it was to dry on the top with mold and smell like I just open a sewer🤢 so I took the top and remix everything. I added little more of water, soil, biochart and pea moss. the smell kind like went away but still kind of strong, my big question is if I can use this mix? Any suggestions?

[@RyoWatanabee]

Awesome video! I love soil planted tanks :)

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks buddy!

[@santamaria6312]

What brand of kitty liter should I use

[@TheWaterBox]

Any brand that's old school litter that's plain and nothing scented or anything added to it should work.

[@santamaria6312]

@@TheWaterBox I feel special you replyed to me

[@nicovanwyk8902]

Thanks for the video. Did my tank today. My first aquascape. So its a learning curve. So I'll be watching you. Thanks for all the advice Hopefully today is day number 1 of 2 years.

[@TheWaterBox]

Only 2? Why only a goal of two years? :) Thanks for watching

[@nicovanwyk8902]

1st Tank , I just hope everything works out well. I know before two years jas passed I would redo it again.

[@TheWaterBox]

@@nicovanwyk8902 AH! Sounds like me. haha

[@lenlymampo248]

Hi i want to ask if you can plant carpet seed on soil substrate top with beach/pool sand. Or is it just for dry method? TIA

[@TheWaterBox]

Hi Lenly. I can't answer that as I've never played with planting just seeds yet. Sorry. :/

[@lenlymampo248]

Oh ok im searchin for some as far i can see only saw 1 vid that tried it but no update whatever anyway tnx for the tips im about to start a planted tank so all ur tips and vids are very helpful so tnx again and god bless😊

[@TheWaterBox]

No problem, I'm glad they helped. :) I just don't know anything about doing the seed thing but might look into it in the future.

[@kevywilliams3304]

Great videos :)

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad you like them!

[@lovespeed143]

About Magnesium Deficiency can I use epsom salt to solve it?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes you can.

[@rwalker4803]

I'm looking to do this set up but is it Neo shrimp safe

[@TheWaterBox]

As long as the soil doesn't have any metals in it and doesn't cause too much TDS it should work.

[@FishmanEricRussell]

Great Video. Always love your animated style. I have only ever used dirt in pots or shallow trays. I find clients are not very patient. lol. This way I can put an established plant in right away

[@TheWaterBox]

Perfect! Works great for Discus tanks for people who are afraid of the mess. :)

[@vb2377]

What organic mix do you reccomend?

[@TheWaterBox]

Any organic potting soil should work. I use the Miracle Grow Organic Choice: amzn.to/2Ef1oXS

[@arief6950]

Can I use the black soil or does it have to be organic potting mix?

[@TheWaterBox]

If it's natural with some ferts in it, it'll work.

[@davidarellano677]

Can I use River sand that they sell at Home improvement stores. Instead of Pool sand ?

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm not sure. I've never seen that sand you're talking about so I can't really say.

[@davidarellano677]

The Water Box I believe they use it for Concrete fillers. If that helps at all

[@TheWaterBox]

@@davidarellano677 Na, I have to see it.

[@rynieryarom4277]

If I want burrowing snails in a new planted tank. Do I need to put in a cap or mid cap? Will they just mix all the cap and soil together.

[@TheWaterBox]

It should be fine with a cap

[@justinseah3395]

I hope you will see this even its 2 yrs late I'm planning to use potting mix it mainly consist of coco peat and burn rice husk is it ok/enough or I'm I better off buying normal tank gravel with root fertiliser

[@TheWaterBox]

That I'm not sure. I've never used that kind of mix in a tank before.

[@arief6950]

Hey, I was wondering, since aqua soil reduces pH in the water. Does it apply to organic soil as well?

[@TheWaterBox]

Not really. the reduction in PH is usually form the clay they are using for the substrate.

[@AngelosFishTanks]

Looks awesome .. can’t wait to see it again in a few months 😁👍

[@AngelosFishTanks]

Oh snap wrong video lol. I was watching your 75g build I dunno why I commented on this one 😂 don’t mind me. I was never here

[@TheWaterBox]

Who are you? What are you talking about? Do you even... exist?

[@stephenball4866]

Hi Great video what about if you want to build up certain areas with soil like some aquascaping projects I see they can have up to 4 inches on the sides so it slopes down will having this much soil in one area cause problems I know they do it with ADA.

[@TheWaterBox]

There's a couple way of doing it. You can use dividers to build up the hill, us lava rocks in a mesh bag and build up the hills on top of the bags, stack egg crate light grids. Either will work. I've never had problems stacking hills that high myself.

[@25Aditya25]

Hey water box.I have a dirted tank with cabomba. But the cabomba is not getting any roots after i replant them.

[@TheWaterBox]

How long has it been since planting?

[@TheWaterBox]

And how long since you set it up?

[@tuannguyen728]

So do you need to dose anything like seachem flourish for trace elements? I know the soil supply the nutrients but what about the water column?

[@TheWaterBox]

Some will leach into the water column from the soil but you should dose base on how your plants are doing. I find after setting up a soil tank you can go with dosing the column for a couple of months.

[@TheWaterBox]

And for the best results dose both macro and micro nutrient. Flourish doesn't have everything in it that plants need. Like you said. Trace elements. Also depends if you're using RO or not or if using tap, what's in it and how much.

[@tuannguyen728]

Cool, thanks for the info. What do you think about Thrive+, would that be a good fert to use.

[@TheWaterBox]

I hear Thrive+ works great. I never tried it myself though

[@irishnich4456]

Holy cow! I just root tabs my newly setup dirt tank. Thanks for the tips though. Question: I capped my soil with extra small lava rocks, will my plants grow in lava rocks? Is it true that lava rocks contain iron which is beneficial for plants growth?

[@TheWaterBox]

How small of lava rocks we talking? Lava rocks contain small trace of iron alone with some other trace minerals but you should still provide a better source for iron.

[@irishnich4456]

@@TheWaterBox About a peanut size of lava rocks, have you tried growing plants with it? will you think this will work? thank you for all your videos it help me a lot as a beginner to this hobby.

[@TheWaterBox]

@@irishnich4456 It'll grow into the lava rocks that way, sure, but with gravel that size, the problem is keeping the plants anchored. They have a good chance of getting dislodged before it can even grow and take root into a graveled ground at the size. This is why planted tank people love sand so much.

[@kyehosking]

Answered all my questions awesome

[@TheWaterBox]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@superunimportantman]

ok i got a great question because its a problem i come accross. my tap water is 8.4ph very hard with 11kh most plants grow between 6.5-7.5ph to lower my ph cut my tap water with 75% ro water and run peat in my filter have you found a better way to deal with high ph hard water when running a planted tank?

[@TheWaterBox]

Michael allen not yet. :( only way I know is using RO. :/

[@superunimportantman]

do use anything to remineralize the water?

[@cmpi82]

I had a similar situation. I was sick last summer (Tonsillectomy) & other people cared for my tanks & all they did was top off my tanks. When I had recovered both tanks were over 8.4 (high range ph kit only goes to 8.4 so maybe higher) & Kh was also off the scale. It took me months (& tons of advice from people) to find something to help get my water normal again. I had good results using Seachem Neutral Regulator. I only use it when adding water to the tank. I never used it to treat the entire tank. Another thing that works well is using distilled, de-ionized, or good r/o water(50tds or less) to replace the water you drained after a water change (25-30% water change don't want to lower your ph to quick). I've heard other things can help lower your KH like EcoBio Stone will help, I have one just haven't tested it yet. I hope that helps.

[@cmpi82]

you shouldn't need a remineralizer if you're trying to lower your ph/kh. Unless your water is super soft. If that is the case Seachem Equillibrium has worked great for me & it's much cheaper than simular products.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm not sure if you need to reinitialize your water if you're mixing it with your tap. What is your GH and KH readings after the mix? If you do need to reminerialize then as cmpi82 says, Equilibrium works. Or you can get something called GH boosters at places like aquariumfertilizer.com

[@patriciakloeppel9863]

knowledge is power in the aquarium world

[@TheWaterBox]

Tha it is! :)

[@ryanwelch64]

Do you have to use Mexican clay? I’ve found some cheaper stuff on Amazon. Will it work the same?

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm not sure since I have no clue what product you're talking about.

[@strider5119]

Playground sand does work, but only in deep aquariums. I'm assuming that the pressure keeps it in place, because in smaller aquariums it just muddies the water and blocks the filter

[@TheWaterBox]

The grain size is just too small and closes off circulation getting into the substrate is the only problem with playground sand.

[@TheSkruer]

How long do you wait befor adding fish ?

[@TheWaterBox]

When the tank is done cycling. Just like any tank.

[@TheSkruer]

@@TheWaterBox ok, 2-4 weeks then :)

[@TheWaterBox]

@@TheSkruer as long as it's cycled, yup.

[@alexawermuth558]

Do you need to dose the water column while using soil? And would it be good to mix ecocomplete with soil since ecocomplete has a high CEC value? Or does soil also have a high CEC value? I want to make sure if I dose the water column that the soil can absorb and release it.

[@TheWaterBox]

You can always use eco-complete for the CEC value. Soil doesn't have CEC value really. As for dosing, it depends but for some times, I don't need to dose and it does fine. I still dose sometimes.

[@thewatcher9778]

Ok here is my question ive seen people use ada products and they seem to use multiple types of substraights so my question is what if u did a half inch of dirt a half inch of seachem flourite then cap off with like a inch of fluval stratum would that be something that has potential

[@TheWaterBox]

Both Flourite or Stratum aren't nurient charged (they have maybe one or two minor nutrients) so that's no point using both. Just use one to cap. The floutire or stratum will use the nutrients leached from the soil though so that is a bonus but you only really need one or the other.

[@thewatcher9778]

The Water Box thank you for the info

[@TheWaterBox]

No Problem

[@jbvmpsmtr5488]

You're good 👍😎

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks 😁

[@satyajitbhadraroy7723]

Great video. Awesome learning... Thanks.. Just a question. Can soil tank handle all type of plants that professional aquasoils do? I mean carpet plants.. stemplants etc. Thank you in advance..

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes.

[@huxleypinto1265]

@@TheWaterBox sorry if you answered this elsewhere. But using organic soil would DSM work if wanting to have the carpet looking good. Before flooding it. I mean with a one inch cap of gravel or sand

[@davescheer5038]

Well I just happened upon your site after many years of being out of aquariums I started a 1 gal. Glass vase betta tank 3 days ago , started looking at some beautiful plant tanks on the net and ended up here , I was craving info on how to start up a plant tank or at least get input before I did something stupid , Seems like you got this under control , as you've done a lot of the trial and error already , I bought a light for the betta tank it's a national geographic - LM18-N it has two blue a sixteen led's is it sufficitant enough to grow plants and do I need to use organic soil in such a small tank right now I have a banana plant and some fern moss in there and a small patch of surface floaters , can I just get away with adding maybe some kind of plant food ?

[@TheWaterBox]

You can use an all in one fert. Just squirt it into the tank as instructed on the bottle. I do suggest getting something bigger than a gallon tank for a betta though. A 1 gallon tank isn't big enough for a betta. Go at least 5 gallons. That light with blue led probably won't do anything for the plants. You can watch my lighting series about lighting for plants for more into. But a banana plant and moss don't need that much demand of much of anything.

[@davescheer5038]

The Water Box the 1gal was set up as a desk top, seeing a lot of tiny betta tanks advertised at the pet store I figured micro was cool since they sell you a fish in a plastic cup , but when you look on the net and see beautiful plant tanks it's like wow ! The problem I'm having is they say you need to get al these fancy substrates, add co2 with regulators bubble counters and such, and yet there are people that grow beautiful tanks with nothing more than lighting and an air stone ?and fish making their own plant food

[@davescheer5038]

The Water Box the lighting on my micro tank has six white led's and two blue that can be operated separately , it's 6k and was only $12.99 made by national geographic and seems to be very bright

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, that doesn't tell me if the light is actually good for growing plants but basic lighting will still grow easy plants.

[@TheWaterBox]

It drills down to how you have your set up and what kind of plants you're growing. But as you said, you just growing a banana plant and moss. It doesn't take much of anything to grow those two things. Try just seeing how well it works with your set up and see how they grow. If you add different plants, you have to look them up and see if you need more demands for growing them.

[@RealWitblitz]

So, I did an emersed dry start using soil+cap method, and about after 6 weeks when I added water, two fat worms crawled out of the cap. Probably should've mineralized the soil? Nice vid thanks.

[@TheWaterBox]

Ewww! Yeh, maybe at least shifted through it first. lol What was the source of the soil? What did they look like? Fascinated!

[@neils4501]

“Is your garden growing plants? Then yes you can” Golden. Lol. Hey I’ve been looking for that clay, no luck, can you get it off amazon?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yup. amzn.to/2pXOc56

[@neils4501]

Thanks man!

[@TheWaterBox]

A pleasure!

[@tadasdovii8262]

instead of root tabs i use old fashion clay and organic soil mix (1 part clay with 5 part soil (measured in space not weight)). seems working. Just make sure that you very well mix them and give enough time to dry. othervise they start to disvolve before you will put them near plant roots.

[@TheWaterBox]

Nice!

[@ashreetis625]

How do u change it if u have a carpet plant?

[@deadfred821]

So an inch cap? Even with a DSM carpet?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh. You can add more if you want.

[@ahmedbenmarzouk6708]

Love your videos , Why nobody mention the case of sulfuric acid with the dirt tank substrate ? I had 2" dirt with 4" cap and ended up with sulfuric acid which killed all my plants

[@shadowkirugaming6738]

Can soil contain copper or iron? These both are very bad for shrimps....

[@TheWaterBox]

It could. Just make sure to read the label or/and contact the manufacturer to know.

[@mochaboy9416]

Doesn't the fish poop and food replenish the nutrients in the soil?

[@justinkayce9811]

You especially have to liquid dose initially because the plants haven’t established a valid connection to the substrate via roots yet.

[@mkmikeyspickey]

This guy is funny! Subscribed!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks

[@davidmccann2633]

I have an idea for an aquarium that has an under gravil filtration and an eternal canister filter and planted plants and fish

[@davidmccann2633]

I have ideas for everything

[@davidmccann2633]

If gunk builds up under the gravil plates then befor you build the aquarium set up a megnet cleaner under the gravil plates

[@TheWaterBox]

Cool. Sounds like a plan.

[@jodymarty3179]

Im setting up a 220. I dont know what to do for a cap. Im to poor for most options. Any ideas?

[@TheWaterBox]

pool sand is cheap. 220 liter or gallons???

[@bigsky445]

Pool sand for sure or if you want darker color like black, go to home Depot or feed store & buy black Diamond blasting sand. It is amazing! About $7 for 50 pounds. Your working with a 220 I would buy 5 bags. Cost you about $35 for 250 pounds of black Diamond sand or pool filter sand is white and is about $5 for 50 pound bag. Hope this helps!

[@Zaku186]

Im to the point where i do mostly dirted tanks now. another thing you can do is plan your scape out before you set the tank up and only put dirt where the root feeders are going to go. i rarely ever do that but it is an option.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sniperwipers]

I have some questions if you don't mind answering them please :) I am 3 weeks in cycling my 200L cube with dennerle scapers soil , the soil leeches ammonia. Was i supposed to do water changes every other day to get rid of the soil leeching? Or is it fine the way i have been doing it? just adding the correct amount of ammonia to take it to about 4ppm. I can add 7ml of ammonia and within 24 hours it is back to 0.25 - 0.50ppm, Nitrites are high. Is the ammonia not going to 0 because of the soil? i am truly lost tbh because of the way i started with not doing daily-ish water changes. I have Staurogyne Repens , dwarf hairgrass (not doing too well, it's turning brown looks like it's dying) , Cryptocoryne Wendtii Green , Cryptocoryne Lutea 'hobbit' , christmas moss and weeping moss should i start adding ferts whilst it's cycling or wait until the cycle has finished. I also see another problem, i have what looks like blue-green algae . If i block all light for 3 days will my plants die? I really hope you can answer ALL ;) my questions if it's not too much. Cheers Carl

[@TheWaterBox]

You're going through your cycle. Leave it. Keep supplying the tank with 4ppm of ammonia a day. That's it. Every day, just add that much. The nitrites ARE suppose to go up and the Ammonia goes down. That's how the cycle works. In a week or 2, you should see the ammonia keep doing down, the nitrates goes down and the nitrates will rise. Then you're at the point that ammonia and nitriates are 0 after adding ammonia a day ago and your nitrates are up, that's when you're done. Do your water change to bring the nitrates to 0 and add fish. :) You don't need to do water changes right now. If you do (you can if you want), make sure to dose back the ammonia to 4 or 5 ppms. The Ammonia leaching from the soil will go away soon so you'll rely on what you're adding by hand. It's natural and suppose to work. You're doing it right. Don't need to change anything.

[@TheWaterBox]

PS, if your soil keep the ammonia at around 4ppm then you don't need to dose ammonia manually. That's one of the things I love about soil. But it will go away quicker. So it's totally up to you. To keep the cycle moving, just keep track of the ammonia levels and dose ammonia when you need to.

[@TheWaterBox]

Let's talk about your Dwarf hair grass, what kind of lighting do you have on your tank?

[@sniperwipers]

Thank you for answering me. The lights i have 2 x 15w T8 lights one is white and one is red/pink(i am replacing them with 2 x 15w white T8's because the red/pink light looks kinda like it is 'running out' lol. And there is also 2 white LED's tubes and a blue LED tube (can't find anything written on them but they look like the Interpet LED double lighting. I bought the tank from someone on ebay and he said the T8's may need changing so i am waiting on them. Hope this is helpful? Cheers Carl edit: the tank is a 2ft cube

[@TheWaterBox]

Then it sounds like typical die back. It should grow back in later.

[@watasa4baseball902]

What are tannins

[@TheWaterBox]

The stuff that discolors your water brown.

[@invisiblesurfer]

Great video, thank you. If the mid cap is of bigger diameter compared to the top cap, won't that ultimately push the top cap to mix with the mid cap (as you pointed out in the video)? Shouldn't the top cap be of the highest diameter of all 3 substrates to avoid mixing?

[@TheWaterBox]

Normally if your not using sand it works better but that's a reason most people stick with two layers

[@adampietrzykoski7344]

I switched to a soil substrate and I all ready have done 5 50% water changes, but my water keeps getting "dirty"... should I keep doing water changes until it finally clears up or should I try a different type of soil?

[@TheWaterBox]

Is it capped? Dirty as in it's brownish? If it's light brown, it's tannins and will go away over time with water changes or you can run Chemi-pure through your filter. It'll go away in a couple of days then

[@gudra111]

Do you have any opinions on keeping worms (red wigglers/earthworms) in the soil? Would they be a good thing? If so how could you add oxygen to the soil to keep them?

[@TheWaterBox]

Sorry, no opinions on that as that's not something I've ever done.

[@johnnybeegone3020]

Your worms would drown. They aren't meant for being submerged in water, that's why you always see worms on the surface of the ground after a good rain, because they are trying not to drown.

[@ayrayray8316]

When can you add a fish after doing a soil planted tank with a substrate top off?

[@TheWaterBox]

Same as any tank, once your tank is cycled.

[@sakthicon]

I'm a fan. ✌️

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!