Safe soil for Walstad method?

[garlicrbrian]

I’m wondering what are the confirmed aquarium safe soil/potting mix brands because I’m thinking about making a Walstad setup soon. I just want to be careful and not accidentally buy anything that would be harmful to fish. What has worked for you guys?

 

[ruud]

I run 5 'Walstad' tanks with inert sand only and 2 'Walstad' tanks with a layer of clay covered with inert sand.

In each, plants are healthy and grow.

 

[GouramiGirl100]

My first Walstad tanks were clay capped with gravel. My current Walstad tanks have true aquasoil, I find the difference in growth minimal. Just make sure to plant heavy in the beginning with faster growing plants and you should be set. Sand, clay, aquasoil, or dirt like miracle grow organic can all work.

 

[garlicrbrian]

I just picked up some organic potting mix from the hardware store. I’m wondering if it’s safe to use soil that has those little white perlite bits in it. Aside from that it’s completely chemical free.

 

[ruud]

Perlite is inert and useless in aquatics. I think it will float, so you can scoop it out.

 

[garlicrbrian]

awesome thank you

 

[Littlebudda]

Just be careful and check what can go into organic soil where you are from. Over in my part of Australia organic basically means composted and mixed with soil, running a landscaping company I’ve seen the rubbish (even dropped a lot off) that goes to the organic recycling centre, not just the weeds and stuff but the animal manure, dirty nappies, used contraceptives, glass the list is endless. Buying bagged products from a reputable soil/potting mix company may be a little more expensive but they are kept to very high international guidelines of what can go in the mix.