Substrate Advice...

[maverick]

hi all,

would like to know if there is anything wrong with my base...
I filled up the base of the tank with 1inch of topping mix followed with 1inch of white gravel(2-3mm kind, it seems that the topping mix is seeping through onto the gravel.... is there a problem with this??? is the thickness of the gravel too little or the grain size too big??

[maverick]

hi all,

would like to know if there is anything wrong with my base...
I filled up the base of the tank with 1inch of topping mix followed with 1inch of white gravel(2-3mm kind, it seems that the topping mix is seeping through onto the gravel.... is there a problem with this??? is the thickness of the gravel too little or the grain size too big??

[maverick]

hi all,

would like to know if there is anything wrong with my base...
I filled up the base of the tank with 1inch of topping mix followed with 1inch of white gravel(2-3mm kind, it seems that the topping mix is seeping through onto the gravel.... is there a problem with this??? is the thickness of the gravel too little or the grain size too big??

[maverick]

hi all,

would like to know if there is anything wrong with my base...
I filled up the base of the tank with 1inch of topping mix followed with 1inch of white gravel(2-3mm kind, it seems that the topping mix is seeping through onto the gravel.... is there a problem with this??? is the thickness of the gravel too little or the grain size too big??

[vinz]

The thickness and grain size is ok. Err... enlighten me, whats topping mix? Normal gardening soil?

Seeping as the water is turning brownish cloudy?

[maverick]

topping mix is normal gardening soil which is supposed to be rich in nutrients. The mix seems to be seeping to the top of my gravel, although it does not cloud or tarnish the water at all, it leaves a stain on my white carpet of gravel.... I am intending to get some more sand to put on top to see whether it will stop seeping through. any comments?

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On 10/21/2002 10:47:27 AM

The thickness and grain size is ok. Err... enlighten me, whats topping mix? Normal gardening soil?

Seeping as the water is turning brownish cloudy?
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[juggler]

Are you sure it is due to the topping mix?
If it doesn't affect the quality of the water, maybe just leave it first. Topping up with more gravel may not help solve the problem. They may seep up some more. Test the water for pH and kH values to see if it is in any alarming levels.

Actually, you should have tested the soil before using it. In my case I tested 3 or 4 brands of soil for a week before I decided on cocopeat. I poured the soils into plastic cups and top up with some gravel and water. Then observe them over the next few days, checking the water for clarity and colour while testing the water for pH and kH.

[vinz]

Stain? So it's not sediment? How long has it been since you setup the substrate? It could be algae.

[maverick]

its not algae... its the soil which is coming to the surface... its just stays at the top of the surface of the gravel.. have not bought any tests kits yet as i do not have any fishes in there... anyway i used to have this sort of arrangement and had nearly 10 ottos in there and nothing happened to them for 2weeks... although i noticed the gravel having a black layer after that which i guess is the topping mix...

[sherchoo]

Does this layer float around if give it a slight sweep motion by your hand?

I would suggest you syphon up the layer and monitor if it reoccurs again.

[wks]

maverick, don't top up too much gravel, it will create an oxygen deficient layer which is bad for the plants' roots. My small planted tank failed because of this problem.