Walstad method soil

I’m from australia so all the soil I see people using in their walstad method tanks are not available here ! (E.g miracle pro). I’ve been searching organic soils but all mention fertiliser, such as organic fertiliser pellet or bone and blood. I’m wondering if these are okay to use or should I just give it a go at making my own soil and what should I use ?

 

Dirt from the yard works if your yard is not sprayed with anything.

 

Hm, what part of Australia are you in? Depending, you may be able to visit the native streams some of these fish come from, and, like, get the OG natural dirt for your tank. Maybe dig up some plants while you are there .. respecting the local laws of the land of course. That said, I wouldn’t know exactly where these streams are, never having been myself .. I hear it’s kind of big out there?

 

Dirt from the yard works if your yard is not sprayed with anything.

Do you mix anything with it like peat moss ?

Hm, what part of Australia are you in? Depending, you may be able to visit the native streams some of these fish come from, and, like, get the OG natural dirt for your tank. Maybe dig up some plants while you are there .. respecting the local laws of the land of course. That said, I wouldn’t know exactly where these streams are, never having been myself .. I hear it’s kind of big out there?

I’m from south east queensland ! Plenty of streams. I’ll give it a go

 

I’m from south east queensland ! Plenty of streams. I’ll give it a go

Oh how fun, please post pictures! I’ve been thinking about starting a native 1 gallon jar from a creek nearby. Well, I’m in Los Angeles so it’s more of a concrete trench with some nature growing in the cracks. Life finds a way! Here’s another jar, with about 8cm of substrate, half amended garden dirt and half planted tank substrate. This is after 6 weeks, the dwarf hairgrass really took off!

 

I'm here in AU, mid north coast NSW. I have several tanks with organic potting mix from Bunnings. Never had a drama just don't use normal potting mix as most contain a wetting agent..... not good at all. I would be avoiding any garden soils of nursery soils. Garden soil you just never know what weed killers, (round up etc.) Have been used over the years plus what animals have used it. Nursery soils are all mixed with peleted addatives. Don't economise on the organic potting mix. You get what you pay for. Pretty much the same story with river soils you can never guarantee what the old cocky has been spraying around to kill weeds.

 

I have a tank going with just dirt topped with black sandblasting media. It has only been going a few months now.

If your dirt was heavy clay definitely mix in some peat or compost. If you have nice garden soil I would use it over any potting mix for the micro life and mineral content. They sell glacier dust and other mineral supliments but real dirt from outside comes with them. If you want to get real fancy go dig up some dirt next to a pond for authentic local aquasoil complete with BioLife package.