How to add more nutrient rich soil to established planted aquarium?

[JG91]

Hello! 

I am thinking of adding more soil to my established aquarium but I have heard that if not done right it can cause an ammonia spike and kill the fish. 

Currently I have an 80 gallon heavily planted aquarium. I have an 8 liter bag of soil but was thinking of adding maybe a third or less... 

Any tips on how to add nutrient rich soil to an established aquarium? Would adding a little at a time work? 

Thanks everyone!

[Brandy]

A little at a time would be ideal. I assume you plan to do this on top of the existing soil?

[JG91]

yup! and there is a conner of my tank that could use more soil because its not too deep.

[Brandy]

I think you will be fine, I added about 1/2c at a time to a seasoned 12 gallon. Go slow and watch your levels, you will get there!

[JG91]

Thank you! Ill give it a short!

 

[Hobbit]

Question: how do you keep the soil from totally fouling up the water? I wouldn’t mind adding more soil to my tank but I’m not sure how. I have a gravel cap over the current soil layer.

[MJV Aquatics]

Don't you have a sand cap over  the existing soil?

...And nutrient rich soil often creates algae trouble (which is why many choose mineralized top soil) in addition to an ammonia spike.

Footnote: I'm no expert as I've always stayed away from 'dirt' tanks as I feel any nutrient advantage is quickly lost. (Ask any farmer what he could grow in a mere couple of inches of top soil)  I prefer inert sand with root tabs as required.

Edited February 18, 2021 by MJV Aquatics