Opinion seeking on substrate... and maybe rocks...

[Justikanz]

Hi hi ladies and gentlemen... This has to do with aesthetics of scaping, so I post here ah...

I am intending to mix lapis with some kind of soil-like material for my new 2ft. I will also be scaping with rocks instead of wood...

Reason for using soil is to create a slope that will not level out easily. Reason for mix is I dun want to use too much soil and let the pH drop too much. Main tank inhabitants would be Endler's livebearers.

So, I want to seek opinions on...

1) Substrate, since it will be my first time using them.

a. What kind to use? Seen one that says 'clay pellet soil'. Won't cause big pH drop, but will it 'stick' like soil?

b. What to use so the pH drop will be less.

c. How to use it? First layer unwashed, top layer washed and mixed with lapis?

d. How to wash, if necessary? Heard it is a nightmare washing them...

2) Rocks.

a. Granite or the clay like orangey ones that NA uses?

b. Any side effects from using the NA ones? Touched them and orangey clay like stuff rubbed off on the fingers...

Thanks!

[Fei Miao]

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ht=garden+soil
Here's a thread on using garden soil but only as base fert, other bros had used coco peat and clay but only as base fert. I would imagine mixing soild with lapis would be messy when you up root plants. You'll probably have to top it with a thick layer of lapis anyway, maybe clay is a better idea? Let's hear what the other bros think about this.

If the orangey rocks you are referring to are what term ohko stones, I might be wrong but I think I read somewhere they do have an effect on pH, can't remember if it's higher or lower

The other one the grey type is Seiryu stone, i think they rises pH but only slightly

[Justikanz]

Garden soil can use in aquariums safely? Clay? Like those they sell in packs and are small pellet form like ADA soil? I was actually thinking along the line of something like ADA soil etc... Can act as base fert too...

I will google ohko to see the pics... Or take pics at NA using my HP... No camera with me but I'm going NA after work later...

[Fei Miao]

Oh you're refering to ADA soil say so lah!

The clay are those red stuff you see at construction site

[Justikanz]

Sorry ah, Miao... I am really new to soils so maybe I wasn't clear... I was looking at the soil similar to the ADA type but just will not adjust pH too much...

Oh and just checked on the net. Yes, the rocks I saw are similar to the ohko stones. But the ones at NA and C328 seem orangely and gave me a 'clayish' feeling...

Would it be good to combine different kinds of rocks for a scape?

[fishbonez]

does anyone know where i can find Seiryu stones at this moment
thanks

[ranmasatome]

Thomas... come my house.. i can sell you rocks cheap.. will make a post on it after.. but if you want just call me..
FOR OTHERS : pls dont pm about stones... i'm sorting them out now and will make a post..

As for sand... you can try dennerle... it doesn't affect oh much..
also got another type of volcanic sand i got form NA in a black bag one.. i find it really good.. more expensive than ADA..lol.. but i like it.. ask uncle about it..

[Justikanz]

The rocks I am interested in...

[ranmasatome]

oops...will post a pic of the rocks i have..

[Justikanz]

Justin... Granite ah? After you sought it out, let me know and show me pics, can? When do you expect to be able to post?

Mr Chan recommended me and sold me AZoo's Plant Grower Bed. He says this will not affect pH a lot and can also act as fertilizer...

[ranmasatome]

i dont know if they are granite or not... they are definately NOT the typical granite with grey and black specks everywhere... they really look like those seiryu rocks when wet...

[Justikanz]

Ok ok... Anything, as long as nice and aquarium safe. Let me know. I hope to get my tank next week. Everything should follow after that.

[ranmasatome]

i send to you liao..on your phone..