Is ordinary garden soil better for an aquarium or cactus soil 🌵?

Ordinary soil is a good source of nutrients and carbon for plants for many years. Cactus soil is slightly poorer in nutrients because it is mixed with sand. It also contains the addition of peat. Peat releases carbon more slowly. Therefore, after some time, an aquarium on such a substrate may require carbon dosing.

"Peat contains a lot of organic matter, but at the same time it is very acidic (pH around 4-5), which inhibits its decomposition and thus significantly slows down the release of carbon dioxide." Diana Walstad, "Plants in the aquarium. Aquatic plant ecology for aquarists", p. 80.

Choosing the right type of soil for your aquarium depends on the type of plants and animals you want to grow.

Garden soil is more versatile and can be used in various types of aquarium, however, it may contain components harmful to fish and plants, such as excess nitrogen or phosphorus.

The soil for cactus is specially prepared for growing plants that require dry conditions and is not recommended for growing aquatic plants.

Piasek dobrze zatrzymuje syfy ziemne. Żwirek bazaltowy lepiej trzyma rośliny (chociaż trochę ciężej się sadzi)i zostaje na miejscu, a jeśli nie jest zbyt gruby - wygląda równie naturalnie. Dobrze też zatrzymuje syfy ziemne. Ale zwierzęta wolą sobie wyraźnie ten piach.

I'm of the opinion that an active substrate is the best. Out of the 2 to which the question relates, ordinary garden soil will work better.

For the aquarium, use the sand used for water filtration

For the aquarium, cactus soil is better 🌵 Due to the specific requirements of plants in the aquarium, ordinary garden soil is not suitable, as it often contains ingredients that are harmful to fish and other animals in the aquarium and can cause too much pollution. In turn, the cactus soil 🌵 is light, well-drained and rich in minerals, which positively affects the development of plants in the aquarium. Remember, however, that before adding soil to the aquarium, it is necessary to rinse it thoroughly to remove excess minerals and avoid clouding the water in the tank.