Dirted Aquarium Maintenance: Major Algae Issue FIXED! 

You need to have enough of a sand cap (at least 2") to keep that potting compost from hitting the water column. I've had mine going for a few years without issue. You also need fast growing stems to help control those nitrates that can get high. If you don't, you will get algae no doubt. I know people that have had these going 15 years+.

You do have to have a thick sand cap on top and not move the heavy root feeders around. Once theyre in there, just trim and leave the roots alone. I am struggling with my tank at the moment after a crash earlier this month. I just bought a bunch of plants and I'm going to start it over again with the water still in there. I am planting today and its my least favorite part because the plants dont stay in lol. I think most dirted tanks do fail after several years if you don't add more dirt and nutrients. I'm going to start a 10 gallon dirted tank soon just to raise some plants in and eventually might put a couple fish in. There's a lot of ways to keep a tank though, and whatever way is easiest for you is probably the best way to do it.

I've had great success with dirted tanks. Would I recommend them? Probably not. I wouldn't suggest them for customer tanks like this that's for sure? Dustin has had several problems like this for clients who want a dirted tank but can't/won't do the constant setup maintenance? They require alot regular maintenance and tweaking of lights etc for the first month or so. If you dont have the time and eye for that then you've got big problems.

I cant stop touching my tank because of Dustin's Jungle Val

I do reset mine every 1 to 2 years. Mostly as the dirt i use probably loses its nutrient levels

An aquarium is rarely static. :)

Add supplements to the soil when setting up at the beginning. If you are using common potting soil at big box stores without enchancing it you could try into nutrient problems. Worm castling, bone meal, blood bone, etc are good places to start with enchancing the soil.

@@Wissassin I use a 1.5" layer of sifted organic peat moss.

yep

@@Dustinsfishtanks Best place to get aqua plants in Nick/Lex area? Been looking for ages.