Capping potting soil

[londonloco]

Since it's winter, and I'll never dry enough soil, I thought I'd try MG Potting Mix for my 75g redo. I'm looking for a cheap dark (black) cap. I've tried to find Turface in the Manassas area, but haven't been successful. I'd like to continue using 3M color quartz, but the jerks at 3M aren't making it anymore. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Loni

[eleontie]

I looked around for the same problem. It seems that unless you find some hidden stacks for 3M colorquartz or Soil Master Select ( both out of production), the only options are Turface - apparently there is a dark grey variant that I could not find anywhere - or sand.

Eugen

[londonloco]

This sux!!! Anyone else have any suggestions. I need 3-4 bags of Eco or Flourite to cap it 1.5-2". GRRRRR

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

I don't think you should use MG Potting soil - its got a lot of organics in it and will likely turn anaerobic very quickly. Additionally it probably contains some amount of ammonia based nitrogen, good for plants, not so good for fish/inverts.

[londonloco]

I've been reading the NPT forum over at APC, and Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix is the exact soil Diana Walstad who wrote the book, "The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" recommends. I thought I'd give it a shot.

Has anyone had any experience with Diamond brand blasting grit? I've heard pros and cons...I'd like to keep some cory's and ottos with some undetermined rainbow fish.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

Sean, would you care to comment?

[DelawareJim]

The Organic Choice potting soil is high in peat and composted bark. Great materials for retaining moisture and improving drainage in a pot, but not want I would want to add to my tank. It has everything we are trying to remove to produce a mineralized soil. Like Ghazanfar said, it will turn anaerobic and will probably start to produce hydrogen sulfide and methane; commonly called "swamp gas".

Cheers.
Jim

[ddavila06]

why don't u use potting soil like your planning and maybe one or two bags of eco complete for the top...your won't have to buy 6-7 and sell an eye to get the money and will be safe for your bottom critter...

[londonloco]

WOW, very interesting. She has such a following over at APC, but after hearing comments here, I think I'll save this "give it a shot" for a smaller tank. I wouldn't mind breaking down a 20 or 30g if it becomes a swamp full of gas, but I'd hate to break down the 75 gallon, again.

So, if I don't have any mineralized soil, could I just use the same top soil, and NOT mineralize it?

ALSO...anyone have any comments on a CHEAP cap?

Loni

[chris_todd]

ALSO...anyone have any comments on a CHEAP cap?

Pool filter sand may not give you the look you want (it's only available in standard "sand" color), but it's the cheapest cap I can think of. $10-15 for a 50 lb. bag, available at most pool supply companies.