Best soil for a planted tank

[IzabelB]

I live in a remote valley in Washington state, USA. Ive been looking for potting soil with a high percentage of total nitrogen, to use for a dirted tank, but can’t find any good ones. What do you use?

Black magic potting soil is what I really want because it has 0.36% total nitrogen. The best one available (that I know of) is the miracle gro natures care organic potting soil with 0.18% total nitrogen. But I haven’t yet found one that compares.

I’m also confused with water soluble and insoluble nitrogen, which is best for heavy root feeders?

 

[AcornTheBetta]

I live in a remote valley in Washington state, USA. Ive been looking for potting soil with a high percentage of total nitrogen, to use for a dirted tank, but can’t find any good ones. What do you use?

Black magic potting soil is what I really want because it has 0.36% total nitrogen. The best one available (that I know of) is the miracle gro natures care organic potting soil with 0.18% total nitrogen. But I haven’t yet found one that compares.

I’m also confused with water soluble and insoluble nitrogen, which is best for heavy root feeders?

Not sure on much of the technical stuff (although DarkOne might be). but I used this dirt in my 29g and the plants are growing very well, especially the root feaders.
Miracle-Gro Nature's Care 16 qt. Organic and Natural Potting Mix with Water Conserve-71686630 - The Home Depot

 

[DarkOne]

I'm not that into the technical stuff but Miracle-Gro organic potting mix works really well in the 3 tanks I've used it in. I'll probably start using it in more of my bigger display tanks.

I also spread some Osmocote on the bottom before the potting mix and gravel cap.

 

[Backblast72]

I have a 75 gallon tank which is dirted. I used a layered substrate with the natural plants I was going to use in my tank in mind. My substrate thus, have three layers. For the first layer I used a big bag of Eco-Complete, which is lava rock that comes in this liquid substance that is full beneficial bacteria; lave rock is very porous by nature and it will provide a lot of surface area for my beneficial bacteria to colonize and maintain the overall health of my tank and it’s inhabitants. The other reason to used this product is that you NEVER have to replace it, as the months go bye it ages and serves as an equalizer to maintain the delicate balance that the bacteria needs to thrive. For the second layer I used Miracle Grow Natures Own organic potting soil. I sifted this dirt for two days to remove all the large pieces of wood and other material they use to make this potting soil. When I was done sifting it, I added water to the soil and completely covered the soil in clean water. This expedited the release of some ammonia found within the soil; I then rinsed the dirt and then I added it to the tank. And for the third layer I used medium grade sand which I bought from Homedepot. It’s a 30 grit sand which will cost you $7.99 for a 50 lbs bags so I bought two bags. I put 60 lbs to cover the entire bottom of my tank.

the first two weeks are the crucial ones with a dirted tank. This is the period that the dirt you use will release the ammonia within it. I had two days were the water smelled like urine from a cat which was the ammonia. After those two days the clarity if the water improves greatly and the change was visible within the water column.

The Miracle Grow works great...! My plants exploded in growth. Well worth the investment and work needed for it. Plus the sand and dirt combination will provide the most excellent planting medium for your plants.