To Plant or Not to Plant, that is the question.... Plus, what about soil?

[janelc]

Greetings, please forgive the obvious newbie questions here. I am building a vivarium out of a hex tank (see my gallery). Should I plant my plants directly into the soil or should I leave them in the pots so I can change them if they decide to die?

Also, I will be planting some small plants here and there, what is the general consensus on what makes up a good soil? I have heard to avoid vermiculite and perlite, but what else? I have coco bedding right now.

I plan on putting a layer of LECA down first, then screen and then the soil. I really would like some moss to grow, we'll see.

Any help is most gratefully accepted!

[acpart]

I have 4 planted tanks: 2 for day geckos, 1 for a crested gecko and 1 for african fat tails. I prefer to plant directly into the soil. I use coco fiber and add some liquid fertilizer directly to the base of the plants periodically. The geckos fertilize the plants also. I also have LECA then screen then soil. Three of my tanks are over 2 years old and doing well. (The other is doing well too, but is only about a month old).

Aliza

[Waterkeeper]

my current setup is gravel then screen then sphagnum moss, then top soil. I planted directly into the soil, and my growth rate is outrageous. If you want the plants to maintain their size, you have to bind up the roots in a bag or pot to prevent them from growing quickly.

[janelc]

Waterkeeper, what kind of soil do you use?

[Waterkeeper]

after the rocks and screen I put Organic Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, I plant my plants into that and then Organic Top Soil on top. can.sphag. is very high in nutrients for your plants, and the top soil gives a very clean look.I use all organic so that I know for sure there are no pesticides.