Re: profile as substrate

["M.LIEBANES" <M.LIEBANES@terra.es>]

What about using peat? I have tried various thing here and, because I 
can't get any of the things that you can get in the States, have tried 
various substrates. The first thing that I tried was a mix of kitty 
litter, soil and peat, topped off with gravel. Unfortunately the soil I 
used was alcaline and so I have a constant battle against hardness.
The second mix I tried was kitty litter and peat, this time with black 
silica sand on top, but even that seems to significantly add to water 
hardness. The next one I try will be a peat/soil mix with silica sand, 
though with this I'll make sure the soil has no alcaline content, and 
again I'll use the black silica sand. 
I'd like to try potting compost/peat/silica sand but can't find a 
potting compost that doesn't have an alcaline component.
In the area that I'm about to move to the soil and water are 
both "hardness free" as far as I can see, so maybe I'll have more 
luck :-), especially as I intend to re-do all my tanks over the 
following 6 months after the move.
C:-)lin

----- Mensaje Original -----
De: "Al Smith" <alsmith1@mindspring.com>
Fecha: Martes, Abril 24, 2001 0:31 am
Asunto: profile as substrate

> I was wondering if anyone has used profile soil conditioner as a 
> substratein soft water tanks..I did a test and my tap water is 
> 120ppm and and after
> adding profile it rose to 500+ ppm....It said it is just kilned 
> fuellersearth and is inert...but it seems to leach 
> carbonates....if anyone has used
> this and has any info please let me know your results..also..if 
> this is
> going to harden my water what would be a good substrate for a 
> softwater tank
> and plants included...I heard people using black beauty...is this 
> safe....Ido not want to get into the more expensive stuff like 
> laterite or
> simular..just something that will not alter the water and grow 
> plants...
> Thanks
>  Al
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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