pros and cons of dirted tanks?

**mojosodope** · 03-17-2013, 11:34 AM

I don't blame you on the free shipping bit I'm sure they'll return it. I would mix a small sand/Eco batch first before to see if you like the look. IMO for depth I would have done the first layer with sand at a grade from high to low in the front and then cap that with the Eco while leaving a small gap between the sand and glass in front you can fill with Eco complete. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

**mrramsey** · 03-17-2013, 01:18 PM

For future reference I use safe t sorb from tractor supply. $4.99 for 40 lbs. My plants do great in it. It is 100% fillers earth.

**Aeonflame** · 03-17-2013, 02:32 PM

Biggest cons for me were the initial algae bloom and not being able to uproot something without clouding the water (though this isn't much of a problem as the substrate matures)

The biggest pro was how well my plants did in it, and how long the substrate lasted without having to fertilize.

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-17-2013, 03:16 PM

Disadvantage to me was moving the tank or pulling out plants and replanting them. When I move a tank, I like to remove the substrate, give it a good rinsing out and replace it. You can't do that with soil. You do not need soil to plant a tank heavily, either. A good plant substrate will do the trick.