Is it true you can use top soil for planted tanks?

I've heard instead of using other nutrient rich substrates such as Eco-shape, Fluorite. You can use ordinary top soil to give the plants nutrients. Is this true? I've heard of them changing the PH, and damaging the water chemistry. Is this ones that have artificial fertilizer in them?Is it true you can use top soil for planted tanks?
I assume you're trying to build a Walstad Natural Planted Tank.


You can use Schultz Aquatic soil (available at Home depot), but you absolutely cannot use anything with any kind of fertilizers or added chemicals. The chemicals will leach into your water and kill your fish.


You can use plain topsoil, but the aquatic soil is less messy.


You put a layer of gravel on top of the soil to keep it from clouding the water.





The second link below is especially helpful concerning the ph balance and water quality.Is it true you can use top soil for planted tanks?
I've been using a compost known as John Innes no.3. I was concerned about ammonia being present in the soil, however as ammonia is a gas at room temperature this wasn't a problem. I used a 2.5cm layer in a 60 litre tank planted with a few bunches of Hygrophila. It grew so fast I could have made a small fortune from the cuttings!
Do you mean Mineralized Top Soil?


http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substr鈥?/a>
i am not sure but you might kill the fish. if i was you i would not try it. also it will make the water dirty and you will kill the fish and the plant
I am wondering how you vacuum the tank. Won't the topsoil just get sucked up?