Gravel size for dirted tank too big?

Hi, I recently did a dirted setup(horay!), I'm completley new to dirt, I have so many questions but I will try to keep it too a minimum. I have been doing almost full water changes 1-2 times a day(29 gallon tank)to try to remove most of the tannins from the water, It has been up for 3 days and every time I do a large wc, a few hours after it clouds up again, I'm not sure if this is normal for a new dirted setup but I was thinking It could have to do with the individual size of of the substrate that I capped it with. Its a mix of pebbles and regular gravel, but in some areas it appears the the dirt could be leaking through the gravel. Do I need to recap the dirt? Or is this normal? Please tell me anything I need to know about getting this tank up and rolling.

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 12, 2012 at 10:58pm

you should not be doing full water changes. you're not letting the bacteria grow well to prevent the clouding.

Normally for a cap 2mm to 3mm gravel should be used.

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Permalink Reply by seth roach on August 13, 2012 at 1:13pm

looks good give it time that elodea(anarcharis) grow out it should suck nutrients out pretty good. As for the cap im loving that look its really a personal preferance there is no right answer even straight dirt could settle down and look good in the right situations, but anyways...I like the varied size like that you'll find out if you really like it after you get some fish in there and have to clean it....thats when the truth really comes out...Goodluck, keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by Austin LeGrand on August 13, 2012 at 3:16pm

Thanks Seth, I hope it clears up soon.

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Permalink Reply by Austin LeGrand on August 13, 2012 at 4:27pm

Heres day 4, its extremley clouded, gunk all over the substrate, plants, everything. Here are some pics I threw together, Im not sure if this is normal,I also don't know whether I should leave it alone, or recap it with fine gravel. I would want to avoid recapping the dirt, but if it has to be done, then so be it. I think I'm going to turn this into a log, and post updates and pics every day.

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 13, 2012 at 5:03pm

okay its time to do over. you have some sort of fungus growing there.

right now you can get the plants and dip them in H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) I dont believe you need to put the root system in the peroxide but you can ask around to see if you should. as for how long, and the concentration look online.

btw may i ask what kind of dirt did you use?

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Permalink Reply by Austin LeGrand on August 13, 2012 at 5:19pm

Miracle gro organic gardening soil

Btw, when i do tear it down, in your opinion, should i keep the dirt or use somthing like fluval stratum or eco complete?

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 14, 2012 at 2:31am

well if you want to use dirt again. I would use the same type of dirt or just use regular topsoil with no pet moss added. If you do use stratum or eco you will need to dose with certain ferts. I have to dose with potassium type ferts. (i personally use KCl salt substitute that you can buy at any major grocery store for less than 4 dollars) I also dose with Seachem flourish Excel. I have notice a huge difference in growth since i've used excel.

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Permalink Reply by Peter on August 13, 2012 at 5:49pm

btw how big a layer of dirt did u put? wen u set it up?

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Permalink Reply by Austin LeGrand on August 13, 2012 at 6:05pm

2-3 inches

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Permalink Reply by Peter on August 13, 2012 at 7:07pm

C theirs the actual problem make the dirt layer 1 to 1 1/2 inches max 2 - 3 inches is jus askin for trouble ur gravel size is actually ok

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Permalink Reply by Austin LeGrand on August 13, 2012 at 7:09pm

just out of curiousity what does it do when its that deep?

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 14, 2012 at 2:41am

When soil is too deep and the roots of plants do not reach that low or take too long to reach that low, then the soil deep down start to become super anaerobic. When this happens hydrogen sulfide and metal toxins start to rise to the surface of the soil. If the surface of the soil is not oxygenated enough (via water movement or aeration of the water) then the water will start to be infused with these toxins which will kill both plants and aquatic life.

Deep soil layers are not needed nor is it practical. Make sure to make the soil layer maximum of 1.5 inches. you can cover the top with 1.5 inches of gravel or even 2 inches.