Dirt vs. Sand & Gravel

**VoidParadigm** · 02-22-2010, 06:32 PM

Just curiosity... but why do we never use dirt in our tanks? I know sand and gravel would be much easier to clean, but surely there are quite a few common species in the hobby who don't come from places in the wild with just sand/rocks on the bottom of their water areas.

Is dirt a definite no-no, or is it just that it's too much work for most people to bother with?

**octoxpuss** · 02-22-2010, 10:03 PM

Dirt: i know it works but it is a little time consuming and it turns the water more murky tan then anything. Also, when doing a waterchange u have to be extremely careful or you get like mud. Ha. Even if it has a layer of sand on it, it will come through and the sand is then brown. Bleck

**Zilla** · 02-23-2010, 01:09 AM

From where I'm sitting, Eco-Complete is fancy dirt in a bag that is a royal pain in the rear end to deal with.

Next time I want to buy expensive dirt, it's being bought and used outside in the gardens. Not like that will be happening anytime soon. Compost is cheap, easy and has all kinds of good stuff in it that my plants like.

**gadget228** · 02-23-2010, 12:24 PM

I'm pretty sure that I saw a thread on here about using dirt in a aquarium, the OP had it in several tanks.

**rich311k** · 02-23-2010, 12:36 PM

You can use it. Best to use unfertilized potting soil, a layer of gravel over it will help with clouding etc.

**VoidParadigm** · 02-23-2010, 01:05 PM

Thank you. Question answered.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 02-24-2010, 01:12 AM

I usually use a layer of organic potting soil in all my planted tanks. You just can't have any fish that like to root in the substrate and you have to be careful doing water changes no to stir it up.

**VoidParadigm** · 02-24-2010, 01:16 AM

Fair ducks, SW.

I figured dirt/soil would be a smarter choice for plants, 'cause, really... how many plants are there in the world that love just plain rock, for example. Go to your local river/pond and pull up an underwater plant and a big cloud of mud comes up with it, afterall.

Just got the wheels in my brain turning.