How to set up a successful planted dirt tank

Here we'll discuss how to set up a successful planted using the "dirt" method, otherwise known as "dirt tank.

First lets go over everything you'll need to set it up.

Aquarium - Any size will work.

Lighting - This is up for debate of which kind to use, LED/T5/PC/T8. I personally prefer to use T5 systems, or LED systems. I'm not much of a fan for normal T8 setups, or Power Compact systems.


Dirt/Top Soil - I prefer using Cowart Premium Top Soil, which is an organic top soil.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100398850/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Heater - Up to you, I use submersible heaters that are rated for larger tanks then the one I'm setting up, this is because it heats the tank evenly, and doesn't put much stress on the heater.

Clay/Laterite - I use Flourite or First Layer Pure Laterite, but have seen others use Pottery Clay.

Dolomite (calcium carbonate w. magnesium) - This is used to enrich the soil with calcium and magnesium.

Muriate of Potash - This is used to enrich the soil with potassium.

Gravel/Sand - Which ever you prefer to use in your tank, I use sand.


Now here we'll discuss how to set up the tank.

First off you should try to clean out the soil of any debris, such as wood chips, rocks, etc...

Next you'll want to mix (NOT IN THE TANK) the organic soil with enough water so you end up with a thick mud. If you used too much water don't worry just let it sit out so the soil absorbs the water and becomes a thick mud mix. Now mix in 10% of your clay to the mud and mix it up some more.

Now in the tank you want to add a light dusting of both the dolomite and muriate of potash on the bottom glass of the tank. The bottom of the glass should still be somewhat visible.

Now you can add in the mud mixture to the tank. Fill in the runny mud mixture of mineralized soil and clay. This layer should be anywhere from ½” to 1” deep.

Now you can cap it off with the gravel or sand you've selected, add in about 1"-1.5" on top of the mud. Do not disturb the gravel or sand because it will start mixing into the mineralized mud.

You'll want to add in around 5" of dechlorinated water to the tank, make sure you use something to poor the water on so it doesn't disturb the substrates.

Now you're ready to start adding in any driftwood, and plants to the tank. I recommend using a pair of aquarium tweezers, or some sort or aqua tongs to add in the plants. This is because it'll let you plant them deep into the soil substrate without disturbing the top gravel/sand.

Once you're done adding in all of the plants/driftwood/etc... You can now start to fill the tank up with water, again try not to disturb any of the substrates.

Once everything is done you can now start your filters to clear out any cloudiness in the water. Normally it should take between 1-2 days to start clearing up, and the end result once your plants fill out and mature can be this.

Thanks Mike, great read

Thanks Bob, by the way everyone you can you get dry ferts for planted tanks very cheap at this website

http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com

great info for anyone wanting to try this sort of setup, well done mike also,

that pic of a setup is awesome.