Mud in tank-has anyone tried it?

[Fish Buddy]

I know you are thinking 'why would anyone ask such a stupid question' so the reason is: I am trying to create a South American biotope and had read that the fish's streams that they live in has sand, rock in some places but is mostly mud and depris.
My questions are: have any of you tried or has put mud in his/her tank to simulate the natural stream and do you think it would be a problem putting it in my 50 us gal tank with a 300 aqua clear filter and maybe a power head (set on low)?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Tropjunky]

not sure but i wouldn't recomend it'll probabley clogg up ur filter and the water woull look cloudy. if u do then get some mud that hasnt got stuff like pestacides in it.

Can't say u should but its ur tank. gd luck

 

[clutterydrawer]

I'm not sure

I think you'd need something really heavy, like caly-based, or it would just rise and mess up your water.

 

[RDS]

This is a major drawback of trying to create biotopes...the fact that we have to worry about filter life/maintennance, etc.

I'm currently in the process of creating a South American Biotope myself (currently cycling) and I just decided, after doing some research and looking at the options, that a fine gravel (dark brown, kinda mud coloured) substrate was best to go with. It might not be what the fish have as a 'bottom' in their natural surroundings, however, it'll make things much easier for maintennance.

 

[SimonA]

claly-based mud might work

 

[SirMinion]

You can buy special compost 'mud' for planting ponds, obviously it has to be fish safe if it's for ponds, and is heavy enough not to cloud the water.

See if your local pond aquariest stocks it, of sometimes garden centres if they have a water garden section.

 

[Fish Buddy]

Ok, I'll try to find that mud but if I can't I'll just go with your idea RDS
Thanks for all your help

 

[dead_slade]

the problem with a muddy bottom is that 1. you will have trouble syphoning dirt out of it, and 2. after a while the mud will compact, which is bad if you were having any live plants because the plants would not be able to get enough nutrients from the substrate.

 

[FishDan]

the problem with a muddy bottom is that 1. you will have trouble syphoning dirt out of it,

The mud can easily be cleaned. Sand is easy to siphon. Sand is lighter than or just as light as mud. I don't see a problem with cleaning.

and 2. after a while the mud will compact, which is bad if you were having any live plants because the plants would not be able to get enough nutrients from the substrate.

In the "real world" plants do fine in the mud, which also compacts. I am not sure how big an issue in an aquarium setting this will be. In any event, I am sure there are creatures for the particular biotope that address this issue. Again, I compare to sand. Sand compacts as well, that doesn't stop any of the hiuge number of aquariasts from using it. Perhaps something like MTS would also be appropriate for this type of setup? Or perharps some sort of worm?

In any event, I don't see too much trouble using mud. Good luck with your tank! Post pics!

\Dan

 

[K-Holed]

I was talking to CFC about this in live chat. he sugeested maybe going for leaf litter in the bottom of the tank. I'm giving this serious thought when I finally set up my SA tank.

 

[Fish Buddy]

About the leaf litter thing-do you know what kinds of leaves are non-toxic to fish and how much to put in? I don't want an acid basin for a fish tank.

 

[SirMinion]

About the leaf litter thing-do you know what kinds of leaves are non-toxic to fish and how much to put in? I don't want an acid basin for a fish tank.

Hmm, intentionally filling your tank with rotting vegitable matter.. not sure if that a good idea, although my banjo cats would love it!

Your ammonia levels would go sky high if you're not carefull and you'd need some serious aeration to stop the build up of anaerobic bacteria.

I'd go with sterile aquatic compost, as I suggested before.

 

[K-Holed]

CFC recomended either oak or beach leaves. he said that there is no serious polution problem in the tanks he has with this setup. maybe you could PM him.

 

[Fish Buddy]

good idea

 

[bunjiweb]

I would reccomend clay, I have read this works well. Its clean, and easily available. Would look great in a tank I reckon!

Ben