Substrate Help?

[Turtle4353]

So recently my mom picked up some Miracle Gro Garden Soil and I've heard about a couple of people using it in planted aquariums. I just wanted to check if anyones done that and if it's safe and what effects it will have one the tank like tannins or PH. If I can't use it I will have to save up for EcoComplete or something(which I don't want to do if I don't have to!) Thanks!

[ChoclateBetta]

I would not do it chemicals would either kill or cause algae plus aquatic plants have different needs.

[Bettanewbie60]

I've heard that only organic should be used if using Miracle Gro. I just bought a bag of the wrong soil to start my NPT too..bummer. sigh

[Turtle4353]

Got it! Thanks guys didn't want to make some kind of horrible mistake!

[Bettanewbie60]

LOL...I have a feeling I am going to make a few mistakes before I get this NPT going...live and learn I guess.

[Turtle4353]

Live, make epic fails, and learn. Story of my life! Any success stories though?

[Turtle4353]

For the soil not life...

[Bettanewbie60]

Originally Posted by Turtle4353

Live, make epic fails, and learn. Story of my life! Any success stories though?

I have lots of success stories..just none involving planted tanks..yet! I only started keeping betta fish back in June, and so far..all 6 are healthy, so I guess that is a success!

[Bettanewbie60]

I guess that is the thing though...we don't learn much from our successes, but a LOT from our failures lol..must be why I know so much ha ha ha!

[kfryman]

Originally Posted by Bettanewbie60

LOL...I have a feeling I am going to make a few mistakes before I get this NPT going...live and learn I guess.

Hey it happened to me! Look at my tank now! Although I do have some algae lol.

Organic soil or soil from the yard where you haven't used fertilizer. So most houses with smaller backyards usually won't work, as most people fertilize for their lawns. A big property works, like OFL goes out on her forest and collects soil lol. Mad props for her though!