Low tech aquarium?

[redchigh]

why not use real soil? I use natural planted tanks which involve a little dirt (soil) mixed into the bottom layer of the substrate.

[ZergyMonster]

I use soil as well but I believe that aquasoil won't compact as easily as soil so it makes it easier for plants grow their root systems. But like what was stated above you can either pay the price and have nice things quickly or you can be cheap and have the same end result but maybe a little slower.