Which substrates hold a slope best?

[chris_todd]

We're contemplating building a paludarium, but one in which the substrate slopes up from the aquatic portion to the land portion, so there would be an actual shoreline, and the aquatic plants (probably entirely crypts) would have a chance to grow both emersed and submersed in the same setup.

In your experience, which substrates hold a slope best? We would probably be trying to achieve a 12" rise over a run of two feet or less - pretty steep, I know.

Any other challenges we might face trying to do this?

[krisw]

Heavier substrate holds better. Aquasoil > Soilmaster. 3M ColorQuartz isn't bad.

Regardless though, Mike Senske demonstrated a technique he used in his latest ADA contest entry back at Houston Plant Fest where he uses plastic acrylic (overhead slides, etc.) in the substrate to hold the slope in place. Think a tiered garden on a hillside, but the acrylic is hard to see, especially once plants grow over top of it.

[DelawareJim]

I agree with Kris. You would be better off with a series of terraces instead of a slope. The substrate always contrives to level out on its own over time.

Cheers.
Jim