Dirted Tank Help.

I'm setting up my first dirted tank and i'm trying to figure out the amount of dirt and sand to use.
I have 20lbs. of petco black sand and my organic soil. I won't be adding plants till a later time.
The tank is a 20 gallon long.

How much soil do I use?
Is 20lbs of sand enough to cap without tons of dirt seeping through?
Can I add more sand at a later time?

 

When I did my dirted tank, I did 1" of soil and 3" of gravel on top of that. I'd say use more than you think you need, and after it's set up, don't add any sand-sifters and don't vacuum. My dirted tank had some awesome rooted plants, but I eventually took it down due to my Malaysian Trumpets stirring up mud from the bottom. Cool tank for sure, but things can go awry quick.

 

When I did my dirted tank, I did 1" of soil and 3" of gravel on top of that. I'd say use more than you think you need, and after it's set up, don't add any sand-sifters and don't vacuum. My dirted tank had some awesome rooted plants, but I eventually took it down due to my Malaysian Trumpets stirring up mud from the bottom. Cool tank for sure, but things can go awry quick.

When you say sand sifters, does that include cories and loaches?

I may have to setup and see if its enough sand.

Do you think I'll have trouble adding more sand after filling up?
Or maybe I can lower the water level to sand and add more.

 

I think it depends on the kinds of cories and loaches. Anything that'll actually dig a hole in the sand (not just move around the top layer) should be left out of the tank. When in doubt, I'd recommend playing it safe.

I think you'd be okay to add more as long as you do it gently. Put some into a cup and gently add to the tank, so you don't disturb the lower soil lyaer.

 

I think it depends on the kinds of cories and loaches. Anything that'll actually dig a hole in the sand (not just move around the top layer) should be left out of the tank. When in doubt, I'd recommend playing it safe.

I think you'd be okay to add more as long as you do it gently. Put some into a cup and gently add to the tank, so you don't disturb the lower soil lyaer.

I'll probably go with shrimps for my bottom level then. I just want to get my cycling process started while I decide on plants and stocking, My first cycle took me 2 1/2 months to finish.

Thanks for the help.