Calling all dirted tank owners

[Galilea]

Hello!

I am dirting two 5.5 gallon tanks and I'm having a hard time choosing the proper dirt. I know Miracle Gro Organic potting soil was one that was used by many, but it seems it has been discontinued and amazon is charging more than I want to spend.

I was looking at Miracle Gro Nature's Care Natural and Organic Potting Mix with Water Conserve, but it has perlite which I've read is a pain in the butt in a tank. I was wondering what you guys think of the Miracle Grow Nature's Care Organic raised bed soil?

The label reads:
This product is formulated from (one or more of the following: peat, processed forest products, and/or compost), and (sphagnum peat moss and/or coir), poultry litter, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and earthworm castings.
Guaranteed analysis:
Total Nitrogen (N) - 0.09%
Available Phosphate (P2O5) - 0.08%
Soluble Potash (K20) - 0.09%
Calcium (Ca) - 0.02%
Derived from poultry litter, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and earthworm castings.
*This product contains 0.054% slowly available nitrogen (N) from poultry litter, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal.

Any thoughts on if this is safe to use in my tank?
I have hard water (GH of 12 degrees or 140-200ppm, KH of 5 degrees or 50-100 ppm, and a pH of 8.2) the last time I checked so I'm not really worried about the softening effects of the peat moss unless someone has a reason that I should be.

[russ]

Galilea,

That sounds like an interesting endeavor. I had a large, dirted tank many years ago and used a mixture of Baccto (w/o perlite) and Tex Balst. Post some picks as your tanks progress.


Phoebeex,

The guidelines tell you that we have been part of the problem is already the clear increase ever.

Huh?