A few dirted tank questions

Ok so today I dirted one of my small 10g tanks to try this out and get the feel for things before I go ahead and start doing it to my larger tanks. A few questions arose while doing this that I would like to get some opinions on if I may.

1. If I put about 1.5 inches of dirt in and only have enough sand to put about 3/4 of an inch of sand on top as a cap will that suffice till I can get some more, or should I just leave it soaking in the garage unitl I can get some more? I am using black blasting sand if that matter.

2. Is it ok to fill it with water now if I am not expecting to get any plants for a few day for it minus the moss I already have for it? Basically is it ok to plant it while it has water in it? Like maybe drain 50% before I plant it?

3. I am going to be using homemade Osmocote root tabs. How close should they be spaced apart in there? Are they even needed with the dirt?

4. Finally whats the best way to fill the tank without making a huge mess?

Thanks in advance for any help given

Ben

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Permalink Reply by Chris T on October 24, 2011 at 6:33am

1. your going to need a thicker layer of sand also some people experience problems down the line when capping with sand because it allows no oxygen to reach the dirt thus creating pockets of gas( i suggest small/peat gravel)

2.when you do fill it you can put in plants but make sure you stick to your major water changes(otherwise wait for the water to clear then you can add plants)

3. dirt pretty much covers all the nutrients for plants

4.multiple ways to do this either place a plate on bottom of tank and fill from ontop the plate, fill from the side of the aquarium, paper fill where you place layers of paper then slowly fill the tank

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Permalink Reply by Collin on October 24, 2011 at 11:50pm

Is one inch of dirt ennough?

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Permalink Reply by Chris T on October 25, 2011 at 7:12am

the dirt is enough

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Permalink Reply by mdunn71 on October 24, 2011 at 8:06am

If u us the blasting sand u can't have cory catfish or any kinda bottom feeders.This sand has very abrasive and sharp grains and it will cut there mouths.I have the black diamond blasting sand in a tank looks great ,but I have no cories in there.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Fritz on October 24, 2011 at 9:13am

I thought it was proved, by hobbyists at least, that the damage to the barbels and such was actually caused by ammonia leeching from the substrate? Maybe I am wrong tho too.

Anyhow, I managed to get the tank all filled up and it was almost clear right from the start so that was good news for me. I am placing my order this morning for some plants. Planning on starting out with some C. Wendtii, Lucens, some Anubias, and maybe something else. I also plan on picking up some more Jungle Val here locally. Cant wait till it all starts coming together and filling in!

One other question I have is, since it is a 10g would putting the 18" Marineland Double Bright LEDs on it be too much light for low-tech? I have that light or a regular old 18" t8 strip light.

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Permalink Reply by Chris T on October 25, 2011 at 7:18am

just keep it on a schedule of only 6-8 hours a day so that no mass algae can breakout

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on October 25, 2011 at 9:12am

I've read that about cory cats barbels as well. I wouldn't say it's proven, but a strong case can be made that it is not the roughness of the gravel or sand that harmed them. I think a smoother substrate is better for their bellies however, seeing as how they are on them a lot.

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Permalink Reply by mdunn71 on October 24, 2011 at 1:34pm

I put cories and otis in my dirted tank right away ,and all did well.The blasting sand is designed to cut paint from metal.I'm not going to put bottom feeders in mine with the blasting sand ,but if u did the research give it a try .Keep me posted .I would like to know how yours turns out .