How come some soils are able to retain their pellet form even after use?

[octopus]

Is there any brand of soil that remain in its original form (round pellets) even after use in a tank. What prompted me to ask this silly question because noticed that the soils in some of the LFS remains in its original form. I am using the Aqua concept soil and less than a month and they are already crushed and muddy.

[Jungle-mania]

Did you replant often? Also no soil retain their shape forever, it will eventually break down.

[barmby]

Ya. It depends on individual. Think no one can guranteed for a brand. Need to do more research then will know which one will collapse first. Btw, I never use soil. I dislike crushed and muddy substrate. However, they are a great source of nutrients

[Jungle-mania]

I agree, one way I use these days is to keep the soil in small pots, it is economical, neat and I can rearrange with minimal disruption.

[octopus]

Thats interesting. Maybe want to give that a shot. So what do you use in place of soil.

I agree, one way I use these days is to keep the soil in small pots, it is economical, neat and I can rearrange with minimal disruption.

[Jungle-mania]

That's the best part. I use any type of sand to suit my the scape looks. I find none of the soils actually create the looks that I need. I generally use dark colour sand if I have a dark background or a small tank and light colour for a larger tank. Try OTF at Pasir Ris for your sand, that's where I normally get them. You should soak the soil before placing them in the tank to reduce spillage.

[octopus]

That's the best part. I use any type of sand to suit my the scape looks. I find none of the soils actually create the looks that I need. I generally use dark colour sand if I have a dark background or a small tank and light colour for a larger tank. Try OTF at Pasir Ris for your sand, that's where I normally get them. You should soak the soil before placing them in the tank to reduce spillage.

Thanks for the sharing. By the way do you dose fertilisers to make up for the nutrients and would be helpful if you could state the type of fertilisers.

[Jungle-mania]

No I don't do dosing. I only use seachem excel, black water extract, mineral powder for shrimps and water conditioner currently for all my setup. I generally get over nutrient supply from my fauna, so I use floating plants as a nutrient sink to curb algae growth. So far, this formula has been tested several times with no failure. Although, I do have a CO2 setup for larger tanks.

[octopus]

No I don't do dosing. I only use seachem excel, black water extract, mineral powder for shrimps and water conditioner currently for all my setup. I generally get over nutrient supply from my fauna, so I use floating plants as a nutrient sink to curb algae growth. So far, this formula has been tested several times with no failure. Although, I do have a CO2 setup for larger tanks.

Forgot to follow up on your potted method. Are you using those pots use in the LFS?. Wont the soil escape out from the pot and pollute the tank?.

[Jungle-mania]

No, I am using disposable plastic containers like those you use to keep food or cut out plastic bottles, depending on the shape of my scape. I normally have a second tank as a nursery to 'grow' my potted plants first, so I can view how they grow first, I used to cycle the water between each tank to ensure the plants don't melt in the display tank, but I stop doing that as I was happy with what I had.

[octopus]

No, I am using disposable plastic containers like those you use to keep food or cut out plastic bottles, depending on the shape of my scape. I normally have a second tank as a nursery to 'grow' my potted plants first, so I can view how they grow first, I used to cycle the water between each tank to ensure the plants don't melt in the display tank, but I stop doing that as I was happy with what I had.

Thanks again for sharing. It looks like a superior alternative to soil base. Tempted to duplicate your set up in my spare tank.

[Shadow]

IMO depend on your scape. If you want just planted tank then containner will do. However if you want some scape with full of carpet plants then you will need soil to have faster spread. You can use lapis sand and liquid fert dosing, but it will take longer to carpet.

[Jungle-mania]

Agreed, forgot about that bit. Its been a long time since I did carpet, just got tired of pruning.

[octopus]

IMO depend on your scape. If you want just planted tank then containner will do. However if you want some scape with full of carpet plants then you will need soil to have faster spread. You can use lapis sand and liquid fert dosing, but it will take longer to carpet.

Yes i do have carpet in mind. But carpet plants like moss and fissidens are rootless do they still need soil?.

[Shadow]

moss and fissiden would be just fine without soil

[octopus]

moss and fissiden would be just fine without soil

Thanks for the advise.

[barmby]

I learnt something from Jungle man.. heh.