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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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
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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