Mineralized Topsoil Questions - Clay & Potash Related

[Tyger]

Well, I have finished the wet-dry cycle and straining cycles (started with 40-lb bag probably down to 20-lbs of MTS), have purchased the Dolmite, and am getting ready to purchase the clay and potash. Quick Questions:

• CLAY QUESTION: With regard to clay, I am going to look at Michael (Craft Store) and, if not, purchase some online (am thinking AMACO Mexican Self-Hardening Clay) - any thoughts on this brand of clay or others?
• POTASH QUESTION: With regard to the Potash, I was thinking about going with "Sulfate of Potash" (K2SO4) rather than "Muriated Potash" (KCl:NaCl/95:5 or higher) as the chlorine is said to pass of pretty quickly; it seems the sulfate is easier to find, especially in granular form); and, at least, in gardening, it is regarding as a better option by some as chlorine can be harmful to benefical bacteria (and other things in an aquarium). Any thoughts?

Thanks, in advance, Tyger

[DelawareJim]

I would go with which ever provides most K. For clay, just make sure it's not a polymer clay. The package should say what the basis is.

Cheers.
Jim

[Jim Miller]

Self hardening "clay" is basically plastic. You don't want that. The clay you want requires firing to properly cure.

Jim

[SCMurphy]

One of the reasons for the "Muriated Potash" rather than "Sulfate of Potash" (K2SO4) is because we mineralize the soil in part to limit the amount of sulfur compounds in the soil. When you hear of a tank substrate going anaerobic (actually anoxic but that is another discussion) what happens is that there is a build up of sulfur dioxide from the break down of organics which kills the roots of some plants. So adding a sulfur compound to a mineralized soil is basically wasting the effort you made mineralizing it. That said, since you are only adding a small amount of the potash you should get away with it, especially if you are planting rosette plants that have healthy root systems.

[takadi]

I talked to someone on plantedtank.net who said he/she emailed amaco about the clay and apparently it's safe and it has no other additives. You can email him/her if you have an account, username is sewingalot. Apparently he claims to use it as roottabs and has gotten good results from it. I mixed it in to my MTS, you just mix it with some water. I would check with the company to be 100 percent sure it's not just some synthetic polymer. It's a ltitle too late for me though

Also another option, but much MUCH more expensive is using those clay powders they use for facial masks. There's one called Moroccan red clay and it's about 7 dollars for 8 oz on amazon.

[Jim Miller]

Clayworks Supplies http://www.clayworkssupplies.com/moreIn ... _id=Redart. They're just north of Baltimore along I-83.

Jim

[Tyger]

Awesome! I know Sewingalot who has excellent results in her own tank and had some of the most beautiful downoi. I think, however, I am going to play it safe with this tank as it is the main tank and might experiment with a smaller tank at some point in the future. In any case, I got the Amaco at Michael's Crafts and it's unopened so I can return it no worries. In addition, I have occasion to travel to that area so I will be heading to CSI. As we discussed, I am planning to head that way today or tomorrow so I can 'redo' my tank (i.e., from eco-complete only to mineralized topsoil with eco-complete cap). I am really look forward to making the change.

~Tyger (Michael)~