Soil or no Soil?

[kotr]

I know, naturally this goes against my instincts as a hobbyist. However, some research into the matter, particularly Ecology of the Planted Aquarium:A Practical Manual and Scientific Treatise for the Home Aquarist by Diana Walstad does state that soil is crucial in setting up a "low-tech" planted aquarium.

Theoretically there should be no real issue with adding soil. River beds are often composed of silt and soil anyway. The cons I guess would be the increase in organic matter that triggers algae growth, and introduction of chemicals and pesticides, but are these valid reasons?

According to the aforementioned reading, there is an initial spike of organic compound released into the water, until about 6 weeks, where the release of nutrients stabilized.

Your thoughts?

[mralgae]

Although I voted no to putting soil in my tanks I would like to try that approach.

Well you certainly like to open up a can of worms kotr, LOL
Although I haven’t the room or in a position to do all I would like to with planted tanks I am a firm believer in as much a natural tank as possible.

Although Diana and many others have been at the brunt end of the stick for many years with their so called controversial views on aquaria, their tanks stand as proof that what they do “works”. As does the high tech approach works for others. What I disagree with is having others views rammed down my throat with the “my way or no way” attitude as does happen and seen arguments about this.
As I have found out with my own tank the problems that can be had it runs as near natural as can be.
Although I believe most of the plants used are not common hobby plants I would like to try these methods given the chance to.

[kotr]

So yeah, I got bored one day and decided to add some soil to my aquarium.

I had been soaking the soil in water for a few weeks.

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've added the soil. My water is still clear, and I have not really had much problem with algae (even though I had about a week of perma-light, there was very relatively little algae growth). my plants I will have to say aren't suffering, except the Cabomba . While it grew several inches and I had to trim it down, it's lost its original vibrant green colour. I think it's due to the fine leaves allowing a lot of the sediment to settle on it.
All in all, I have to say that it would probably be better if the soil were under the soil rather than added later, but it doesn't seem to have hurt that much.

[severum]

I say no soil

[turtleman]

Obviously, Diana has confirmed that "nature" got it right. After all, plants, dirt, and light, isn't that what this planet is made of. What has happened is that hobbiest have learned how to keep fish in a completely "artificial" environment in their tanks because it's probably easier for them to control that environment and be very successful, which is after all their objective. I expect trying to emulate "mother nature" in a tank is not easy. Acheiving the delicate balance when you are using soil is much more difficult because it adds a lot more than sterile gravel. Diana has a vast knowledge that allows her to understand what's going on in the tank that the average hobbiest will never be able to comprehend even when someone like Diana attempts to explain it to them. It is a very technical read. I believe she is absolutely correct. The question is whether or not we can gain the understanding of the real environment (where she really lives) to be successful. If you attempt to do this, keep posting your results. I'm definitely a fan. GO NATURAL!!!

P.S. Are you suppling light to this tank that has water and soil. Are there plants?

[mralgae]

As I said in my first post I would ideally love to have the space for more tanks and to experiment with theses such tanks. When I think back to when I started fish keeping 30yr ago we had nothing like we have to day. Only that new ways have been found in technology is why we are at where we are to day. But there is still vast evidence that Diana and many more, that it works and even some of the competition tanks are low light.

[turtleman]

Jan 20, 2008 0:43:40 GMT -1 severum said:

I say no soil

Who are you the Grinch!

Incidentally, I was born (1951) & raised in Warner Robins. Grad NorthSide HS 1970. Lived on Vinson Drive. Go Grinch...

With regards to the Poll: does Eco-Complete and Flurite count as soil in your survey?

[dragon]

This issue may have been settled now, and I should perhaps not be reopening an old thread, but I fail to see how "natural" comes into the argument.
I assume that soil is fine sand and gravel particles mixed with organic matter. In an aquarium we use sand and gravel as a substrate - less of the sand possibly because we prefer not to compact the substrate and encourage anaerobic bacteria.
In a river or lake the organic matter is less concentrated than it tends to become in an aquarium, so why would you add extra organic matter if you wish to copy nature?