Best Dirt To Use When Dirting A Tank?

I was really thinking of doing a dirt tank when ever I break this tank down. I’ve seen miracle gro organic choice one as the dirt to use on many sites but I just ran across this soil also. Fox farm ocean forest organic soil. Anyone have experience with either one of these soils and know which one is better? Also does anyone know of a good garden shading material to go on top of the dirt between the dirt and cap? I heard it was a good way to minimize mess when moving plants around. Thank you for any help!

 

Either brand is fine as long as the dirt you're using is organic.

 

Can I have your gravel then? I need more matching-colored substrate and aquarium gravel is ridiculously expensive.

Also does anyone know of a good garden shading material to go on top of the dirt between the dirt and cap? I heard it was a good way to minimize mess when moving plants around.

Hey, that's a good idea (if it works), never heard of doing that. The mess when moving plants around is why I decided against a dirted tank. I actually have some soil in my 7 gallon, just a little bit, from my pothos plant, and it comes up whenever I move around or gravel vac/disturb substrate in that area.

I couldn't find the organic Miracle Gro so I actually used regular potting soil, not organic, and have had no issues myself. Well, except for the dang perlite. I topped off the pots with large gravel and didn't have issues like that the second time around. I wouldn't recommend it though since it could just be a scenario for me.

 

Either brand is fine as long as the dirt you're using is organic.

Ok thanks!

Can I have your gravel then? I need more matching-colored substrate and aquarium gravel is ridiculously expensive.


Hey, that's a good idea (if it works), never heard of doing that. The mess when moving plants around is why I decided against a dirted tank. I actually have some soil in my 7 gallon, just a little bit, from my pothos plant, and it comes up whenever I move around or gravel vac/disturb substrate in that area.

I couldn't find the organic Miracle Gro so I actually used regular potting soil, not organic, and have had no issues myself. Well, except for the dang perlite. I topped off the pots with large gravel and didn't have issues like that the second time around. I wouldn't recommend it though since it could just be a scenario for me.

Yeah sorry I’ll be using it to scape and get some height for the valley I want to create when I redo the tank! Same guy from another forum suggested using gravel in a big media bag to create height. Can’t wait to try this dirt thing out and actually scape instead of adding things one by one like this tank! Haha

 

Preface: I’m definitely not an expert! Lol

Two weeks ago I set up my first dirted tank. I used polyfill to bulk up where I wanted hills. Probably not the best idea but it’s the lightest! So far so good but it does show from the sides of the tank and it did release bubbles when placing rocks or driftwood. I used organic potting soil. I sifted it through some hardware cloth because there was a ton of wood chips. I still had plenty of dirt for my 60g. I wish I had leveled out the dirt layer, just for a heads up. I topped it with pool filter sand. Again, it does show from the side like striations. It seems like it’s been working really well. I did have a little ammonia show up at first but nothing Prime couldn’t take care of. Good luck!!

 

Preface: I’m definitely not an expert! Lol

Two weeks ago I set up my first dirted tank. I used polyfill to bulk up where I wanted hills. Probably not the best idea but it’s the lightest! So far so good but it does show from the sides of the tank and it did release bubbles when placing rocks or driftwood. I used organic potting soil. I sifted it through some hardware cloth because there was a ton of wood chips. I still had plenty of dirt for my 60g. I wish I had leveled out the dirt layer, just for a heads up. I topped it with pool filter sand. Again, it does show from the side like striations. It seems like it’s been working really well. I did have a little ammonia show up at first but nothing Prime couldn’t take care of. Good luck!!

Thanks for the info. What plants did you add and how long did you wait before adding fish? I heard planting heavily when first setting up a dirt tank was helpful to help get rid of ammonia faster! I was hoping to carpet Monte Carlo!

 

Thanks for the info. What plants did you add and how long did you wait before adding fish? I heard planting heavily when first setting up a dirt tank was helpful to help get rid of ammonia faster! I was hoping to carpet Monte Carlo!

Ooh I hope I can finally grow a carpet!
I was transferring plants and fish from three smaller tanks so I had good-sized clumps of rotala, hygrophila, and water hyacinth, as well as a couple amazon swords, java moss, java ferns, hornwort, and water lettuce. I let that sit for a few days. I didn’t have much of an ammonia spike, so when I had a cold snap I rushed and brought the outdoor fish in. About a week after that I added more and yesterday, a couple days after, I added the last batch. I’m monitoring water quality every day and dosing prime every day but it seems like the cycle survived in the filters so I haven’t had much of an issue. I always recommend waiting at least a couple weeks but there are solutions if you’re in a pinch!

 

Ooh I hope I can finally grow a carpet!
I was transferring plants and fish from three smaller tanks so I had good-sized clumps of rotala, hygrophila, and water hyacinth, as well as a couple amazon swords, java moss, java ferns, hornwort, and water lettuce. I let that sit for a few days. I didn’t have much of an ammonia spike, so when I had a cold snap I rushed and brought the outdoor fish in. About a week after that I added more and yesterday, a couple days after, I added the last batch. I’m monitoring water quality every day and dosing prime every day but it seems like the cycle survived in the filters so I haven’t had much of an issue. I always recommend waiting at least a couple weeks but there are solutions if you’re in a pinch!

That’s encouraging. How big is the tank you just used dirt in? Sounds like a lot of plants! Don’t know if I could fit all that in my 29 gallon! Haha glad it’s going well. How’s the water clarity with using dirt?

 

60g, basically two 29s popped together lol so you can probably expect to only need half the plants to fill it. I had a bacteria bloom at first but it cleared up in just a couple days! Now it’s got fairly dark tannins but I like that myself. If you don’t want such dark tint, carbon in the filter can usually remove a good amount. If you have a bigger budget, poly-filter pads will clear it right up

 

60g, basically two 29s popped together lol so you can probably expect to only need half the plants to fill it. I had a bacteria bloom at first but it cleared up in just a couple days! Now it’s got fairly dark tannins but I like that myself. If you don’t want such dark tint, carbon in the filter can usually remove a good amount. If you have a bigger budget, poly-filter pads will clear it right up

Thanks. I use purigen myself which works good! I’ve recharged it twice now and haven’t killed anything. Love the stuff!

 

Humus Binding to STS Clay - Page 2 - The Planted Tank Forum

Using fired montmorillonite clay as a cap could reduce the humic tannins.

 

Humus Binding to STS Clay - Page 2 - The Planted Tank Forum

Using fired montmorillonite clay as a cap could reduce the humic tannins.

Ok thanks for the info!

If you want a cheap option you can always just use regular soil from outside (as long as your ground isn't polluted). Works just as well.

 

Yeah sorry I’ll be using it to scape and get some height for the valley I want to create when I redo the tank! Same guy from another forum suggested using gravel in a big media bag to create height. Can’t wait to try this dirt thing out and actually scape instead of adding things one by one like this tank! Haha

I used miracle grow organic potting soil, but I can't find it anymore so I just bought some black earth (with no manure) to try. Any organic potting soil will be ok. Fyi, I bought the Pro Mix organic soil and can't stand the perlite! I lost half the bag sifting it out.

I used big rocks to retain my hills, but pantyhose bags of gravel work well too. Pantyhose is cheaper

I like a Pool Fiter Sand cap, then gravel because it keeps the plants better anchored and I prefer the look too. Sand keeps the soil better contained while moving. But with a dirted tank, it's better to keep moving plants to a minimum.

 

If you want a cheap option you can always just use regular soil from outside (as long as your ground isn't polluted). Works just as well.

Haha I was thinking about that looking in the backyard the other day! Thanks for the suggestion!

I used miracle grow organic potting soil, but I can't find it anymore so I just bought some black earth (with no manure) to try. Any organic potting soil will be ok. Fyi, I bought the Pro Mix organic soil and can't stand the perlite! I lost half the bag sifting it out.

I used big rocks to retain my hills, but pantyhose bags of gravel work well too. Pantyhose is cheaper

I like a Pool Fiter Sand cap, then gravel because it keeps the plants better anchored and I prefer the look too. Sand keeps the soil better contained while moving. But with a dirted tank, it's better to keep moving plants to a minimum.

I found mgoc on amazon but it was like $20 a bag! I was going to use my old gravel I have now in a media bag or something for creating the valley I want to do! Do you put the sand in the dirt and then the gravel on top of the sand? Thanks for the help!

 

Show us a picture when you are done! It sounds an interesting idea and I'm hoping to do something with elevating in my next tank so I'd love some inspiration

 

I found mgoc on amazon but it was like $20 a bag! I was going to use my old gravel I have now in a media bag or something for creating the valley I want to do! Do you put the sand in the dirt and then the gravel on top of the sand? Thanks for the help!

I use just soil for the planting media and cap it with sand, then pea gravel in parts or the whole thing depending on the look you want to acheive. The sand helps keep the soil better contained.

 

I use just soil for the planting media and cap it with sand, then pea gravel in parts or the whole thing depending on the look you want to acheive. The sand helps keep the soil better contained.

Thanks. Appreciate sharing your experience with dirt!

Show us a picture when you are done! It sounds an interesting idea and I'm hoping to do something with elevating in my next tank so I'd love some inspiration

I will definitely do pics and maybe a journal on the whole process! I want a Grand Canyon look using maybe dragon stones or petrified wood! Also wanted a land bridge connecting the two sides of the valley maybe using drift wood. Having the carpet of Monte Carlo going from one side to the other on the dirftwood land bridge to cross. Now if I can pull it off without spending a fortune is another thing

 

Thanks. Appreciate sharing your experience with dirt!

No worries, all of my tanks are dirted (with exception to bare-bottom growout tanks) only one not totally dirted is my 120g, but I have pots of dirt. So lots of experience. Ask away if you have more questions

 

No worries, all of my tanks are dirted (with exception to bare-bottom growout tanks) only one not totally dirted is my 120g, but I have pots of dirt. So lots of experience. Ask away if you have more questions

Cool thanks. I’m sure I’ll come up with some questions! Haha

No worries, all of my tanks are dirted (with exception to bare-bottom growout tanks) only one not totally dirted is my 120g, but I have pots of dirt. So lots of experience. Ask away if you have more questions

Ok here come the questions! You asked for it haha when first setting up the dirt how did you prepare the dirt before capping it? Also once you flooded it did you have any algae problems at first? How long did it take to cycle before adding fish? I know every tank will be different on how long the cycle takes. Just wondering if dirt tanks maybe cycle faster? Thanks again for the help!

 

Hello again! Hope things are going well. You already heard my prep so I won’t rehash that. I didn’t have algae but I have a ton of species ready to eat it so it might just be that they kept it in check. In fact I have direct sunlight on my tank because it’s in front of a window lol. Now that I think about it, the aquaclear HOBs have grown a good layer of algae in the box so it must be the fish and snails eating it inside the tank. Mine cycled in a week after mild ammonia levels but I used two well established filters and one new one. Lots used driftwood too so plenty of bene bacteria. Any way you can get good bacteria in your new setup will be helpful

 

Hello again! Hope things are going well. You already heard my prep so I won’t rehash that. I didn’t have algae but I have a ton of species ready to eat it so it might just be that they kept it in check. In fact I have direct sunlight on my tank because it’s in front of a window lol. Now that I think about it, the aquaclear HOBs have grown a good layer of algae in the box so it must be the fish and snails eating it inside the tank. Mine cycled in a week after mild ammonia levels but I used two well established filters and one new one. Lots used driftwood too so plenty of bene bacteria. Any way you can get good bacteria in your new setup will be helpful

HI all is well! Just got a new plant and having a hard time keeping it in the gravel haha narrow leaf Ludwigia. I think my bn pleco keeps knocking it out at night! What did you have your tank stocked with? What fish and algae eater? Thanks for the info!

 

Ooh looking good!! I think I have that ludwigia too. Looks pretty similar anyways. It takes a while to root because it’s so happy just being a stem lol. My rabbit snails usually are the uprooting culprits for me but I wouldn’t hesitate to suspect a pleco too hahaha. I have rabbit snails, young bn pleco, kribs, neons, SAE, and platys. Oh and several betta >.> It’s a zoo in my tank..... I don’t recommend it. Ideally I wouldn’t have it that way myself but I was required to consolidate my tanks a few months ago. I tested out compatibility slowly and surprisingly things have been working out. I know some of them should probably be rehomed but I don’t want to just drop them off at a petco :/ There’s a LFS that might take some but I’m still scoping the place out. Last time I was there they had a lot of ich. But anywho, yeah most of them will peck at algae except the bettas. Someone has been pecking at the plants too, but nothing detrimental, only old growth.

 

Ooh looking good!! I think I have that ludwigia too. Looks pretty similar anyways. It takes a while to root because it’s so happy just being a stem lol. My rabbit snails usually are the uprooting culprits for me but I wouldn’t hesitate to suspect a pleco too hahaha. I have rabbit snails, young bn pleco, kribs, neons, SAE, and platys. Oh and several betta >.> It’s a zoo in my tank..... I don’t recommend it. Ideally I wouldn’t have it that way myself but I was required to consolidate my tanks a few months ago. I tested out compatibility slowly and surprisingly things have been working out. I know some of them should probably be rehomed but I don’t want to just drop them off at a petco :/ There’s a LFS that might take some but I’m still scoping the place out. Last time I was there they had a lot of ich. But anywho, yeah most of them will peck at algae except the bettas. Someone has been pecking at the plants too, but nothing detrimental, only old growth.

Haha yeah well I wish they would root and anchor to the gravel cause since I got them I’ve had to re plant them 3 times! I love the way they look but man they’re a pain in the!! Any idea how long they took to grow roots for you? What type of substrate do you have? I just hope the gravel I have is good enough to grow these cause I love the look! Yeah my bn was tiny when I got it but is full grown now! Kind of a pain in the butt actually always knocking plants around and chasing my dwarf gourami around! Probably won’t get another one next time! Maybe some ottos and cherry shrimp for algae control! Thanks for the info again!

 

Yeah no problem! I have sand in my tanks. One thing people do is weigh down the stems. I’m not sure if it’s something stores sell or if it’s diy but I’ve seen people with small pieces of slate with a hole in it and you thread the bottom of the stems through and it’ll keep them in place

But yeah BNs can get up to trouble hehe. Idk why I love them so much My longfin albino is starting to grow his bristles! He’s going to be a stunner

 

Yeah no problem! I have sand in my tanks. One thing people do is weigh down the stems. I’m not sure if it’s something stores sell or if it’s diy but I’ve seen people with small pieces of slate with a hole in it and you thread the bottom of the stems through and it’ll keep them in place

But yeah BNs can get up to trouble hehe. Idk why I love them so much My longfin albino is starting to grow his bristles! He’s going to be a stunner

Hmm I wonder how they make the hole in the slate? I would think a drill would shatter it! I’m willing to try anything though haha I have a female so the bristles are small which I like actually! That sounds cool though!

 

I just converted my 125 gallon over to a dirt tank two weeks ago. Everything is all good so far.

 

I just converted my 125 gallon over to a dirt tank two weeks ago. Everything is all good so far.

Great to hear! Do you have a picture maybe?

 

 

I have a 29 with organic soil capped with PFS it was outside all summer and the plants really took off I have since moved it inside and it’s still doing great.

 

Haha yeah well I wish they would root and anchor to the gravel cause since I got them I’ve had to re plant them 3 times! I love the way they look but man they’re a pain in the!! Any idea how long they took to grow roots for you? What type of substrate do you have? I just hope the gravel I have is good enough to grow these cause I love the look! Yeah my bn was tiny when I got it but is full grown now! Kind of a pain in the butt actually always knocking plants around and chasing my dwarf gourami around! Probably won’t get another one next time! Maybe some ottos and cherry shrimp for algae control! Thanks for the info again!

Hi! I use large bio rings to anchor my stems. I wrap in floss to cushion and keep it snug. Like this



And here's my 5 year old fully dirted 90g (with 3 adult BN plecos!)


I'm wanting to convert my 120 gallon to dirted when I see how easy this 90g is, but it would be a big deal to do since the tank is stocked. But it IS tempting!!!

 

This is how I set up my dirt tank.
First I started off by rolling out iron enriched clay in a grid pattern to try and have some coverage.



Than I sprinkled ADA Tourmaline BC and a small 2 liter bag of their Power Sand Advanced.



Once that was down I layered on the soil I purchased from Dustins fish tanks. Definitely paid a premium for not having to get my hands dirty. He has his own special mix of dirt that has iron clay chunks and nutrients as well.




After this I added my old gravel which consisted of a mix of my own blended gravel and ADA Aqua Soil Amzonia. And started scapping!

Hi! I use large bio rings to anchor my stems. I wrap in floss to cushion and keep it snug. Like this

And here's my 5 year old fully dirted 90g (with 3 adult BN plecos!)

I'm wanting to convert my 120 gallon to dirted when I see how easy this 90g is, but it would be a big deal to do since the tank is stocked. But it IS tempting!!!

So jealous of your Crenum!

 

So jealous of your Crenum!

Haha thank you! I get a lot of compliments on that plant. It was 13$ to buy and took a long time to get established, but once it did, well, wow! I gave it some root tab and it exploded. It's about 5 years old as well now.

 

Good idea for the bio-ring

I have a 29 with organic soil capped with PFS it was outside all summer and the plants really took off I have since moved it inside and it’s still doing great.

Crazy how much the color changed moving the tank from outside in.

 

Hi! I use large bio rings to anchor my stems. I wrap in floss to cushion and keep it snug. Like this
View attachment 629714

And here's my 5 year old fully dirted 90g (with 3 adult BN plecos!)
View attachment 629717
I'm wanting to convert my 120 gallon to dirted when I see how easy this 90g is, but it would be a big deal to do since the tank is stocked. But it IS tempting!!!

That’s a great idea! I think I’ll try that! They finally rooted but a couple still floated away! Most are in there good now! Your tank looks great! Thanks again for the help!