Dirt tank round 1

Hey all, so I decided the other day that I wanted a small 10g tank with some live plants. I did some searchin and came across this site. Dirt sounded awesome so I gave it a try....failure...lol. But thats alright, I am looking for some input on a few things. So I went with orgainc potting soil, mixed it with a little water and made like a viscous mud. So I put about a half inch of mud in the bottom, and topped it with a half inch of gravel. Sunk my plants and put in a nice piece of drift wood, filled it nice and slowly and it looked nice and clear. I woke up the next day, tank was thick cloud of red. I should put a picture on here to show you but I will see what you all think first. Anyways so I thought it was the drift wood tannins at first, so I removed it and performed a couple 80% water changes. The next day same thick red cloud. Im pretty paitent, so I did a couple more large water changes and sure enough the next day it was the same. So I don't really know what I did wrong, my dirt is pushing through the rocks now, but from what I have read, it happens. I kind of wish there weren't so many air pockets in the soil, but I'm not real sure how to prevent that. Basically I just want this sweet little 10g to grow some sweet plants.

Let me know what you all think.

Lewie

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Permalink Reply by Jason DuBois on February 15, 2012 at 11:57pm

Hard to tell post a pic. Sounds like tannins; did you boil the wood first? If not its not too late. You'll be amazed how dark red the water will get if you boil it.

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Permalink Reply by Lewie on February 16, 2012 at 7:01pm

Here are some pictures I took this afternoon. Like I said though, the drift wood has was removed a couple days ago now and I have done at least four 80% water changes. It just goes back to the same old thick red cloud. I think my filter is trying to suck up all my dirt, its too light and fluffy lol.

Anyways here are some pics.

For the dark picture I turned my light off.

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Permalink Reply by Vince on February 16, 2012 at 10:03pm

I was unable to view your pics, but from what you have said it sound like the problem was either your driftwood or the dirt coming through your gravel, I would try using a thicker cap so the dirt doesn't leech out. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Lewie on February 16, 2012 at 10:25pm

Ya that was my best guess as well. I will try to re-dirt this weekend. Im wondering though, does the dirt always stay so fluffy or will it thicken up eventually?

Thanks for your help

Lewie

Here are my photos again. I turned my light off in the second pic.

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Permalink Reply by Vince on February 16, 2012 at 11:46pm

From what i can see from the pics, it looks like the dirt isnt really covered at the front of the tank. I think alot thicker cap would solve ur prob. To answer ur question about the dirt being fluffy, i think thats normal, mine is kinda the same way to a degree.

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Permalink Reply by Lewie on February 17, 2012 at 12:13am

Well I really appreciate your help/advice and I will do just that to try and correct the problem. I will start fresh this weekend and put on a thicker cap, maybe even some sand.

Thanks for all your help

Lewie

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Nylander on February 17, 2012 at 4:50am

I just did dirt in my 10g about 2 weeks ago. I didn't have much a problem with water clarity. I capped with sand except for one corner where I was worried the hog filter would push the sand around if I ever let the water level drop and end up exposing dirt. I'm still doing a 20% water change daily and it has a yellow tinge that you can only see when compared to a white background. So nothing major. I'm guessing your hog filter could be playing a major part in your issue. From the pics your water level is low and the hog filter is causing more of a downward current rather than an outward. So you're getting that constant water flow through your gravel below which would be stirring up particulates. When you do your 80% changes the water is pretty much clear when you were finished right?

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Permalink Reply by Legalizeweeden on February 17, 2012 at 8:53pm

i kept the area around my filter free of dirt. i just pushed it aside and dropped some gravel in its place and finished the cap. also i would not put any plants in until the excess nutrients are used up. i would try some duckweed. good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Connor on February 18, 2012 at 11:55am

maybe it was because you added the "mud" to the tank.. you should have put the dirt in the tank then added water not mix it then add the mixture to your tank.. I get the feeling you mud thinned out and that is why your gravel cap isnt holding it down

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Permalink Reply by Lewie on February 18, 2012 at 1:46pm

Ok so I went out and bought some new stuff last night and re started my 10g. I think I can say "Dirt tank round 2" was a success. Here are some pictures from this morning.