Dirt Convert: How To Set Up Your New Dirt Tank!! (Step by step)

Okay, so, I've been watching the forums and chat and alot of us have been giving the same dirt tank set up advice a million times. So, I'm going to make a step by step generalized process post with a few different options you can use. By no means is this the "be all, end all" but it will give you a good idea of what you plan to do. Notice my use of the word "plan"...I'll start there. Dustin, and all the other guys, feel free to critique me for any errors or additions you may want to make. This is in no way knowledge I found out myself. It's been from Dustin and alot of suggestions from all the guys/gals on the chat!

The Plan:

Get a sheet of paper, draw out your tank, from an above view and front view. Draw in a rough key or where you want what items, plants, and equipment. This will give you a good idea of how you plan to set your tank up. Worst case, change a little later. Find a layout YOU like. A good way to start is to pick plants to hide your heater, filter intake, and cords. If not, not a big deal. Make a list of plants you want, which you have, and which you need. Then make a stocking list of fish you want, and which order you will get them in (algae control last).

The Equipment:

Got your plan done? Okay, now go get your equipment. To set up the tank you will really only need a few things that are mandatory:

1. Aquarium (with lights)

2. Dirt (Miracle Grow Organic Potting Mix seems to be the dirt of choice on this site, but any organic/top soil works)

3. Gravel or Sand (if you use gravel, try to stay with finer types)

4. Water Dechlorinator

Optional Equipment at time of set up but will ultimately be needed:

1. Clay or Flourite pieces (or any root fert tabs you may want to use, all are matter of choice)

2. Heater

3. Filter (or power head in rare cases)

4. Airstone, Co2, Ferts, Misc.

The Set-Up!!!!:

**Before starting watch Dustin's dirt videos!!!**

1. Rinse the aquarium with tap water to ensure no dust or anything is in it.

2. Set it up on a sturdy, level surface near outlet.

3. Add in your choice of dirt (about 1 inch thick is all that is needed)

**Note- Some people choose to slope the dirt up from front (1/2 inch) to back (1 1/2 inch) so that taller stem plants may have more root space. Strictly matter of opinion.**

4. If applicable, add in whatever pieces of flourite, iron, or fert tabs you have generously to the soil.

5. Slowly spray/sprinkle the soil a bit, then stir it up, add more water, stir...repeat until a VERY thick mud. **Note-You should see NO puddles of water on top of the soil. If added too much water, or even for a precaution, let the dirt sit for an hour to soak any water up.**

6. Once the dirt is the consistency of thick mud, add in whatever substrate you will be using to cap the dirt (I.E- Gravel, Sand, Ecocomplete, Etc.). Add the same amount of substrate as there is dirt.

**Note- Example; If 1/2 inch of soil in front, add 1/2 inch of gravel...if 1 1/2 inches of soil in back, add 1 1/2 inches of gravel**

7. Place any driftwood/rocks/heater you have in the tank.

8. If siphoning in water from an outside source, use airline tubing and knot the tubing so the water siphons very slowly. If pouring in water, put a heavy plate (that doesn't float) on the bottom of the tank on top of the gravel or sand and begin pouring slowly onto the plate to not stir up substrate.

9. Once filled half way, plant heavily... being careful not to disturb TOO much soil from under gravel/sand. Taller plants in back, medium in middle, short in front.

10. Use a small net to net any loose pieces of dirt floating.

11. Finish filling slowly (Don't forget to dechlorinate). Once finished the tank should be a little cloudy but should be ready for a filter. Let the tank sit until most of the debris has settled (if any) and start filter.

12. Add rest of equipment, lights, etc. Watch it grow!!

**Note- For information on lighting, equipment, etc. please check out our videos and forum posts about those issues individually**

At this point, if done right, your tank should be ready to rock. With a few water changes your tank will be crystal clear. You can begin your nitrogen cycling for the tank, or wait to add fish. The soil should sustain nutrient and co2 output for the plants for a while without fauna. By no means is this the ONLY way to do it. Some, including myself, add peat to the bottom of the soil. Some soak dirt for weeks. Some mineralize the soil before adding to tank for months. So many different ways to do it. This is the simple way to start it. Let me know if you anything to add or any questions on the process. Check us out on chat!! -Shane

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Ellis - OnlineFishTank on August 1, 2011 at 4:53pm

This is a great help to me! I will be dirting my tank this week, and I look forward to the outcome.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Alner on August 3, 2011 at 6:39am

Yep this was a great guide for myself as well, thanks a bundle. Just completed my conversion last night! vids on my profile.

I have a good cap on the dirt, but I'm a little worried about the Health of the fish. I'll be keeping a close eye on them and posting updates.

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 17, 2011 at 2:16pm

What if I already have fish in the tank and want to dirt it? They are Zebra Danios which are hardy and the tank has just cycled. They will survive when i put them into the dirted tank? Will the tank mini cycle?

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Permalink Reply by Shane Church - Churchhealzimpact on August 17, 2011 at 6:52pm

yea the tank will mini cycle, but nothing you cant fix...add the fish the first day but just do 50% water changes for 3 or 4 days just to be safe

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 17, 2011 at 7:08pm

thats what i was hoping to hear thanks

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Permalink Reply by Chris Gan on September 5, 2011 at 2:37am

what to do with big hardscape so that it would not trap gasses from the subs?

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Permalink Reply by konstantine on September 7, 2011 at 7:00pm

have you used the brand Espoma organic potting mix? is it any good also how about hoffman volcanic lava rocks. they are a decarative thing that goes on the the bedding of the soil to increase water retention, If I crush it you think it might put iron into the soil if i mix it in?

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Soderberg on September 15, 2011 at 12:56am

Alright.. So I've seen a ton of great information on the planted dirt tanks, but have not been able to find an answer to the probing question in my mind. To briefly sum up my situation, I have a 5 gallon tank with 1 betta and 3 Oto's, and I know that bi-weekly medium to large water changes, and often siphoning of the gravel is needed to catch all the poo.

My question is "what about gravel siphoning?!" Does the mass amount of plants take care of the need and basically bio-filter the excess nitrates and ammonia caused from leftover poo? Should this only be done in a tank large enough to support large water changes without going into a nitrogen cycle every time it's done? I am curious because it would seem dirt would be stirred up very easily once you've stuck a hose down there and shuffled it around violently for awhile.