Using potting soil as a substrate is a practice that has divided the aquarium-keeping community for year. In this episode we explore the pros and cons, and give tips for success should you choose to use this method.
[00:00:03] Welcome to Episode 2 of The Aquarists Edge. I realised in Episode 1 that I kept referring to this podcast as the Aquatic Edge and that in fact is incorrect. It is the Aquarists Edge and hopefully the more of these I do I will not make that mistake again.
[00:00:22] So thank you for listening to this episode, thank you for coming back to the podcast. If you have not yet followed or subscribed to the podcast please do so on your favourite platform and can I ask that you also share this podcast with others so that we can grow the audience.
[00:00:38] Today we are going to dig into a topic that has from time to time caused let's say division amongst aquarists and that is the idea of using potting soil as substrate in your aquarium.
[00:00:49] We are going to look at the methodologies of people like Father Fish and Anna Wallstead and also reference other influential aquarists, discuss the pros and cons of using potting soil and give a comprehensive guide for those of you who are wanting to try this approach in your home aquariums.
[00:01:07] So whether you are an experienced aquarist or someone just starting out, this episode hopefully will be informative and engaging for you.
[00:01:17] So let's start by looking at Father Fish. He is a well known figure within the aquarium world. If you have spent some time on YouTube you have no doubt come across his videos.
[00:01:28] And his emphasis is on creating natural ecosystems within aquariums. He talks about using natural substrates including potting soil to develop a thriving environment within the aquarium.
[00:01:41] According to Father Fish the key to a successful aquarium lies in replicating nature as closely as possible.
[00:01:48] He believes that a nutrient rich substrate not only supports plant growth but also enhances the overall health of the aquarium by promoting beneficial bacteria.
[00:01:57] And he encourages people to take a hands off approach once the aquarium is established.
[00:02:01] And he says that by allowing nature to take its course you create a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal intervention.
[00:02:10] So this philosophy very much aligns with the belief that less is often more when it comes to aquarium maintenance.
[00:02:19] One of the most influential figures is Dana Wallstead.
[00:02:23] She advocates what she calls the natural plant aquarium method.
[00:02:27] And her philosophy revolves around creating balanced ecosystems that mimic natural habitats.
[00:02:33] She advocates using soil substrate because it provides essential nutrients that aquatic plants need to thrive.
[00:02:40] A key aspect of Diana Wallstead's method is the use of 100% organic potting soil or organic potting mix.
[00:02:48] The reason she chooses this is because of the organic ingredient list within the soil and the nutritional analysis of the soil.
[00:02:57] Organic soil is composed of decomposed wood, bark, peas and other natural materials that help enhance the carbon dioxide levels in the water which is crucial for plant growth.
[00:03:09] Her research also emphasizes the importance of understanding how plants interact with their environment.
[00:03:16] And she believes that by utilizing our soil substrate, aquarium keepers can create an environment where plants can thrive without excessive reliance on fertilizers or complicated maintenance.
[00:03:28] And beyond Father Fish and animal plants, there are several other aquarists who have made significant contributions to this discussion.
[00:03:34] They include George Farmer, Tom Barr, Corey McElroy and Lisa Lee.
[00:03:40] And just very quickly, in George Farmer's case, he discusses very often how organic material provide essential nutrients while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
[00:03:50] He suggests that you experiment with different soil types to find what works best for your specific setup, as he believes that every take is unique.
[00:03:58] And he encourages aquarium keepers to tailor their approach based on their individual experiences.
[00:04:04] Tom Barr, he explores the idea of using dirt substrate.
[00:04:10] Tom Barr, he believes that while potting soil can be beneficial, it's very important to monitor water quality closely to avoid issues related to excess nutrients or contaminants in the water.
[00:04:19] He advocates a balanced approach that includes soil and liquid fertilizers so that you can achieve optimal plant growth.
[00:04:28] And his insights remind us that while potting soil can provide a solid foundation for plant health,
[00:04:33] it should be part of a broader nutrient management strategy, particularly for those people who are wanting a well-planted aquarium.
[00:04:42] Corey McElroy is no stranger.
[00:04:44] I'm sure if you spent any time around social media in the aquarium world, you would have come across Corey.
[00:04:49] He is the owner of Aquarium Co-op.
[00:04:51] And he has discussed using potting soil as an alternative substrate.
[00:04:55] And he speaks about starting with a thin layer of soil kept with sand or gravel so that you can maintain your water clarity.
[00:05:04] And he talks a lot about having patience, waiting for the beneficial bacteria to establish rather than relying solely on what you're putting in as a substrate.
[00:05:16] Lisa Lee, who is also known as the aquatic gardener, she has a lot of emphasis on biotype style tanks that reflect a natural environment.
[00:05:26] She often shares her experiences with different types of soil and how they affect plant growth and behavior of the fish.
[00:05:33] Her emphasis on biodiversity encourages aquarists to consider not just plants, but also how fish species interact with their surroundings.
[00:05:42] So as you can see, just from those few names mentioned, and there are plenty more, there are many different ways of looking at the use of potting soil within your aquarium.
[00:05:52] You'll also find people online who will tell you not to use potting soil for a number of different reasons.
[00:05:57] So let's have a look then at the pros and the cons.
[00:06:01] So we'll start with the pros.
[00:06:03] Number one, potting soil is nutrient rich.
[00:06:05] It's packed with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, all elements that are really important for growing healthy plants.
[00:06:14] This nutrient density can lead to a lush, vibrant aquatic environment, and your plants will definitely pick up those nutrients and really shine.
[00:06:24] And that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your aquarium, particularly if you're looking for that heavily planted look in your tank.
[00:06:33] Another pro is the development of the plant roots.
[00:06:36] The texture of potting soil allows for root penetration and development.
[00:06:41] And healthy roots, as I'm sure we know, are vital for plants to absorb nutrients effectively and stabilize themselves.
[00:06:47] It also provides natural filtration.
[00:06:51] Beneficial bacteria thrive in the organic matter found in potting soil.
[00:06:54] And these bacteria play a critical role in biological filtration, breaking down waste products and maintaining water quality over time.
[00:07:03] It's also cost effective.
[00:07:05] You know, many of the more specialized aquarium substrates can be quite pricey.
[00:07:09] But a trip down to your local nursery or garden store will provide a more affordable option.
[00:07:17] Potting soil also encourages biodiversity.
[00:07:19] It can attract various microorganisms that contribute to a balanced ecosystem.
[00:07:26] And this biodiversity can enhance the nutrient cycling and improve your overall tank health.
[00:07:32] It also encourages and supports natural behavior.
[00:07:35] You know, certain fish species want to dig and forage.
[00:07:39] And this allows a reduction in their stress and promotes their well-being.
[00:07:46] There's also an aesthetic appeal to using potting soil.
[00:07:49] It can create that natural look, that aesthetic look of a riverbed or a pond.
[00:07:55] And if that is the look you're going for, then certainly potting soil is the way to go.
[00:08:02] The nutrient-rich environment of potting soil also encourages plant diversity.
[00:08:07] A very wide range of plants will thrive given the nutrient-rich soil that you are placing into your aquarium.
[00:08:14] It will also improve the CO2 levels because of the decomposition process within the potting soil.
[00:08:21] And this CO2 obviously is an important factor in photosynthesis and will certainly help your plants to thrive.
[00:08:28] And lastly, the last pro in this list is that it is a sustainable practice.
[00:08:34] You know, for those people who are very concerned about environmental sustainability, using organic materials, it aligns with sustainable practice by not using synthetic fertilizers and promotes ecological balance.
[00:08:47] And so those are 10 pros of using potting soil in your aquarium.
[00:08:51] But are there cons?
[00:08:53] Are there reasons why not to use this?
[00:08:55] I mean, that list of pros seems quite substantial and quite persuasive.
[00:09:00] So are there reasons not to use it?
[00:09:02] Well, yes, I'm going to give you 10 of those.
[00:09:05] The first one is that there can be an issue around cloudiness.
[00:09:09] One of the most common issues when you use potting soil is cloudiness.
[00:09:13] When the potting soil is added, it can cause the water to become murky until it settles down.
[00:09:18] And also when you are working with your plants within potting soil or you are taking the plants out, that disturbs the substrate.
[00:09:25] And as a result, you can create that murkiness again.
[00:09:29] And number two, there's always a potential for contaminants to enter your tank.
[00:09:34] The truth is that not all potting soils are created equal.
[00:09:37] Some may contain fertilizers or chemicals that are harmful to fish.
[00:09:41] And it's really important to select organic options that are labeled as having no external or no outside chemicals or things added to the soil.
[00:09:52] And number three, as much as some fish like to burrow in soil, there are certain fish species that may struggle with the texture of potting soil compared to finer substrate like sand.
[00:10:04] And four, it's messy.
[00:10:06] It just is.
[00:10:08] Cleaning an aquarium with potting soil can be challenging.
[00:10:11] Since all the debris and so forth in the tank may settle into the substrate.
[00:10:15] And regular maintenance requires you to siphon carefully to avoid disturbing the soil too much.
[00:10:22] There's also the potential of algae growth.
[00:10:25] Potting soil, as we've said earlier, is nutrient rich.
[00:10:29] And this can sometimes lead to excessive algae growth if not managed properly.
[00:10:33] Especially if the lighting conditions are optimal for algae to grow.
[00:10:37] There's a longer cycling time often for aquariums using potting soil because there is so much organic matter present in the substrate which can initially spike the ammonia levels before it settles and stabilizes.
[00:10:50] If your potting soil is not properly capped or layered, there's a risk of anaerobic bacteria developing within the substrate which can lead to toxic gas buildup over time.
[00:11:02] There's also a variance.
[00:11:04] I've mentioned this earlier.
[00:11:05] There's a variance of the quality of potting soils.
[00:11:08] And this inconsistency could lead to unexpected results.
[00:11:11] So, as I said earlier, always be careful about what potting soil you are going to buy for your tank.
[00:11:17] There's also the potential of there not being the right kind of organic soil available for you.
[00:11:22] You go down to the nursery.
[00:11:24] You go down to the garden shop.
[00:11:26] You're looking for organic potting soil.
[00:11:28] You'll find a bag labelled potting soil and inadvertently buy it and not realise that there are in fact many inorganic additives added to that soil which can have a damaging effect on your aquarium.
[00:11:42] And the last con, and perhaps not a big one for some, but it is a reality, is that setting up an aquarium with potting soil requires time and patience.
[00:11:53] And, you know, some people who are new to the hobby and perhaps are in a hurry to get their aquarium set up may not want to wait any longer.
[00:12:01] Cycling is always one of those things that takes time.
[00:12:05] And it may be that some people are looking for a quicker fix and can just throw in gravel or sand into the bottom of their tank.
[00:12:13] So, if you're considering using potting soil, this is how you go about it.
[00:12:17] I'm going to give you a step-by-step guide.
[00:12:20] Number one, make sure you choose the right potting soil.
[00:12:24] Make sure that it doesn't have added fertilisers or chemicals.
[00:12:28] Perhaps it's even worth going online and checking the forums, reading reviews, asking fellow aquarists, asking people, does this work?
[00:12:36] Have you used this before?
[00:12:37] And maybe even try, you know, in a small little aquarium, maybe try it out before you commit to a large aquarium and buying lots of the potting soil.
[00:12:47] Step number two is to prepare your aquarium.
[00:12:51] So, make sure that you rinse your aquarium thoroughly before adding substrate to take out the dust and debris.
[00:12:56] Ensure your tank is placed on a stable surface so that it can support its weight.
[00:12:59] Obviously, adding the substrate in the water, as we all know, adds considerable weight and your equipment, your stand must be able to support all of that weight.
[00:13:10] Number three, layer the soil.
[00:13:12] So, the first thing you do is you place a layer of potting soil at the bottom of your aquarium, about three or four centimetres, and this serves as your nutrient base.
[00:13:20] You may then want to consider adding a layer of gravel or sand on top of it, about two to three centimetres worth, to prevent the soil from clouding the water when disturbed.
[00:13:28] This also looks very good.
[00:13:30] You also might want to create varying depths within your substrate, and this obviously adds visual interest and can accommodate different plant types.
[00:13:40] Then we get to planting.
[00:13:42] So, after setting up your substrate, plant your plants directly into the potting soil.
[00:13:47] Ensure that they're well anchored so that they don't end up floating up, and choose a variety of plants that are suited to your life conditions and your aesthetics.
[00:13:55] Fast-growing plants can help establish the balance quickly.
[00:14:00] Consider grouping the plants according to height.
[00:14:02] Put your taller plants at the back, creating some depth, and use small ones to fill out the front areas.
[00:14:08] Number five, obviously you go then and you fill up your tank with water.
[00:14:12] So, it's often an idea to use a plate or a bowl or a piece of plastic at the bottom of the tank to pour the water onto, so as not to disturb your carefully layered substrate.
[00:14:23] Then we need to make sure we're monitoring the water quality, particularly in the initial setup.
[00:14:28] As the tank begins to find its balance, we need to make sure that there is a balance between the pH, the ammonia, and the nitrates and nitrites.
[00:14:36] Be prepared for fluctuations, because it will take time for the beneficial bacteria to establish themselves.
[00:14:41] So, patience is key.
[00:14:43] The next step is to be sure that you're maintaining your tank.
[00:14:48] Be careful, be mindful when cleaning, use a siphon, and don't disturb too much from below.
[00:14:54] Perform the regular water changes, particularly if you don't want to have too much algae growth, and maintain high quality of water.
[00:15:03] Keep an eye on your tank, check the plant growth, make sure things are working well.
[00:15:07] If you notice excessive algae growth or poor plant health, consider reducing the light, and maybe looking at some other adjustments that may be needed in your tank.
[00:15:16] Using potting soil in your aquarium can be both beneficial and challenging.
[00:15:21] It offers significant advantages regarding nutrient availability and plant growth, but it also comes with potential drawbacks.
[00:15:29] By following best practice and learning from experts such as Father Fish and Dana Wallstead and many others, you can create a thriving environment in your tank.
[00:15:37] That mimics nature very effectively.
[00:15:39] Thank you for listening to this podcast today.
[00:15:41] I really hope that you will find joy and success in developing your own naturally planted aquarium.
[00:15:48] Feel free to send photographs and comments to admin at artfisherm.ca.za.
[00:15:54] I will feature your photographs on a section in our blog.
[00:15:57] It's always good to see what others are doing, and to learn from practice of others.
[00:16:03] None of us, I think, can say that we have all the answers in terms of these various methodologies, and so we continue to learn and grow from each other.
[00:16:11] So this is Art signing off.
[00:16:13] Keep learning, keep discovering, and I will catch you on the next episode.
[00:16:18] Take care.
[00:16:18] Bye.