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I've been using on a few scapes over the last 6 months or so. Similar results as Tropica Soil for me. I don't test my water though, so can only give anecdotal evidence.

Hi Alan and welcome to UKAPS. :) Have you tried planting the individual plants with tweezers?

I've used it with good results. Smaller and more consistent grain size than Amazonia (Normal type.) Likely less nitrogen (and ammonia spike). Same soil in these for around 10 months.

Decent filtration/circulation, low fish load, little and often maintenance, healthy plant growth and low lighting.

I've used it in several set-ups. Performs very well. Hard to compare results with Aqua Soil as every set-up has been very different in terms of planting, lighting, CO2 etc. Here's one with heavy root-feeders using TMC NutraSoil. http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/c ... p?sid=4405

Great post mate. :thumbup:

I'm not sure if it's the same but it looks very similar to Unipac Maui Sand. It's an inert quartz gravel/sand that I've used a lot in previous 'scapes. Also consider Unipac Fiji Sand and Samoa Sand, that are darker. Our sponsors, Aqua Essentials and The Green Machine stock it, and your...

Do you have a link so we can see the YouTube clip?

Plant right away but change plenty of water to avoid algae and test for ammonia and nitrite before adding fish/inverts.

Not sure why they'd prefer sand, except maybe to get easier access to any buried snails... In which case the NutraSoil will be just as easy to move around, if not easier. :thumbup:

There's no safety reason but from an aesthetic point of view the NutraSoil will gradually work its way above the sand and look unsightly. This is because sand is a lot denser than the soil. If you can put up with the black/brown grains on top of your sand or keep siphoning them off, then...

It's a good idea to leave some old substrate as it not only helps provide nutrients but is biologically active. This should assist in helping the aquarium stabilise earlier when compared with a total substrate replacement. It's impossible to tell how long nutrients last in substrates. It's...

I agree with foxfish. Some dodgy-sounding ingredients in there. If you do use it please let us know how you get on. The limestone will increase your water's pH and hardness significantly. Not usually desirable in a planted tank.

I would consider a soil-based product such as TMC Nutrasoil or Fluval Stratum. The TMC is available in 1 litre or 3 litre pots so is ideal for the MicroHabitat 8, if that's what you have. The advantage of these soils is not only their positive effect on water chemistry and nutrient content, but...

Hi Mike That's an interesting observation. Can you elaborate, please? Cheers, George

I would plant immediately. Just keep up the water changes.

Good CO2 and circulation are key elements to growing carpeting plants. Circulation at the bottom of the aquarium is often overlooked, so consider adjusting your filter configuration accordingly.

It's generally accepted that you don't need any of those additional products, as hinted by some of the sarcasm posted already. Aqua Soil on its own can and does produce great results. If you already have the Power Sand Special and Aqua Soil then I would use them without spending the extra on...

They shouldn't do. Do you have any rocks in there? Did you test your tap water straight from the tap? Sometimes it contains CO2 that will give you a lower pH. Do you live in a soft water area? Do you have GH or KH test kits?

Thanks, Gareth.

Nice for small tanks. I always felt the Normal grain size too big and the Powder type too small, so this would be ideal. Quoted from ADA Newsletter -

Assuming 9 litres of Amazonia in a 60 litre allow 3 weeks, changing at least 50% water 2x per week.

Flourite Black Sand is very effective and is probably the most attractive too.

How rude of me! Welcome to UKAPS, by the way! :text-welcomewave: Please consider introducing yourself over here - viewforum.php?f=48

Personally I wouldn't bother using the pH controller and just have CO2 come on an hour or two before the lights, and off an hour before lights turn off. Measure the CO2 using a 4dKH drop checker. http://www.ukaps.org/drop-checker.htm I understand that pH controllers can be useful, but...

Good point! Maybe get the 'scape 100% perfect in the planning stage then! :lol:

Because the gravel is a lot denser than soil, I would say that unless you're constantly re-scaping, the soil should stay on top of the gravel.

Interesting! :D Was the Aqua Soil straight out of the bag?

TMC Nutrasoil is sold by the Kg. ADA Aqua Soil is sold by the Litre. I wonder if 1 Kg weighs more than 1 Litre...

I would fill to about 4", very slowly to avoid slippage. Leave overnight. Then siphon down to the lowest part of the substrate. This way the Aqua Soil will be nicely saturated.

Mark, As mentioned if you're spending a fair amount then I'd consider a complete soil substrate over the CaribSea products. ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia is excellent, but avoid the type II version as it causes a lot of issues with clouding/dust etc. Even Jeff Senske (basically ADA USA) has given...

Sure. I'll try to get some photos up this weekend. My nano journal needs an update so this is the perfect opportunity! Thanks.

I've recently re-scaped my nano with this stuff and I'm really impressed. I'm guessing it's similar/same as the Columbo and Oliver Knott stuff, that I haven't used yet.

Hi dannydee, In addition to chilled... Personally I'd avoid DIY CO2 as it is relatively difficult to maintain stable levels. Poor CO2 is a big algae trigger. Easycarbo is an effective product and is good value. A 1 litre bottle should last you over 6 months and cost less than 20 quid...

Personally I would concentrate on appropriate lighting, CO2, nutrients and circulation first, and that will help plant growth and algae issues better than any substrate ever could. This said, you may well get better plant growth with ADA Aqua Soil, but only once you've addressed your underlying...

Most Maidenhead Aquatics outlets sell Unipac.

Yes. I've used this combination with success many times, including my current 160 litre Dutch tank.

I've used this on loads of set-ups, usually in conjunction with Tropica Plant Substrate as a base layer and capsules to target-feed plants. It's a great-looking and good value inert substrate with an ideal grain size for root growth (1-3mm).

It certainly was!

Basically, yes. I understand the new JBL substrate has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), so will take in some nutrients.

Luis, I think there's some misunderstanding; there's certainly no intentional flaming. I think the use of soil is potentially a great idea, which is why is split this thread, re-named it, and pinned it for others to benefit. My suggestion was to merely test any soil prior to use, especially...

That's a bit like saying water is water. Please feel free to ignore my advice and don't test it. I hope it works well and you don't get huge ammonia spikes or pH fluctuations. :) Don't get me wrong. I fully appreciate your enthuasism as a newcomer to the planted tank hobby, and I commend...

I can just imagine my wife's reaction as I bring in mud from the garden and put it into the oven. Seriously though, won't you need to test the soil first? Some soils are high in lime that may play havoc with your water chemistry.

I've moved Darrell's (dw1305) and co.'s posts into a seperate pinned topic. viewtopic.php?f=17&t=11579

Yes.

If you met him, you'd understand. He's a legend!

Any substrate will 'last longer' in terms of supplying nutrients to the plants by also dosing a good qty. of nutrients via the water column.

I used both successfully. More important, in my experience, is the top layer. The potential clouding issue with the Tropica may be a concern if you plan on re-scaping your layout regularly, especially if you're using big rooters like crypts. However, unless you're performing a massive...

Re: ADA vs Oliver Knott I have not used Oliver Knott's Naturesoil but have heard only good reports. I have used ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia and it is superb. I grew a complete 30x60cm HC carpet from 3 pots in 3 weeks. The main advantage for many using Oliver's product over ADA is the apparent...

Nice article, Amanda. I've not seen that one. Looks like vermiculite does contain some nutrients after all. Interesting to see some old 'scapes on there too from the big guns like Senske, Knott and Navarro. Amazing how far the aquascaping hobby has progressed over the years. Now those...

Good stuff!

Hi Amanda You will need to dose the water column, as zeolite and vermiculite on there own do not contain nutrients, but their high CEC allows them to take nutrients from the water and deliver them to the plant roots. It should certainly perform better than plain gravel. Basically substrate...

I would think it will be fine in your set-up. The Easycarbo should help keep algae at bay too. Here's a nice 'scape using it in the same size aquarium, by the talented Gary Wu. http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2 ... ol=0&id=65

Cyperus helferi is a popular alternative that's easier to mangage, and gives a similar effect. It can attract algae in less than favourable conditions, especially as it adapts to submerged growth.

Hi Mark It shouldn't be an issue using sand on top of Aqua Soil, but eventually it will become buried beneath it, as the grains of sand are smaller and denser than Aqua Soil. IME shrimp don't cause clouding with Aqua Soil Amazonia.

A nutrient-rich substrate does give you more 'room for error' with regards dosing nutrients into the water column. So you can grow great plants in plain sand, but you'll need to dose regularly. TPN+ is a good all-in-one liquid fertiliser. EI can be very effective too, and if you're dosing dry...

Re: Tropica Substrate Problems No, Fossilized wood doesn't cause cloudiness, or any other issues, IME.

Cap first then plant. :)

Just remembered this - viewtopic.php?f=17&t=6316 I'm pretty sure it's nutrient-free. However, it's CEC will allow it to obtain nutrients from the water. Great price, for sure.

Check it out - viewtopic.php?f=17&t=6316 Looks like it's nutrient-free with good CEC, so dosing the water column would be necessary in high-energy setups. Pity JBL still don't do a liquid NPK product. The CEC can't be very high though (like Akadama and Aqua Soil), otherwise it would reduce...

No, don't rinse it. Just fill up your tank VERY slowly to prevent clouding. Rinsing it will wash away a lot of the 'goodness'.

Hi, The typical El Natural/low-tech technique usually has a soil-based substrate topped with plain gravel. If you follow Diana Walstad's principles then these supplies all the required nutrients, along with fish food and fish waste. Tom Barr likes to add more nutrients to the water...

Not tried that either, but have heard of some reports. Zeolite is also a consideration perhaps? I seem to remember Hoppycalif (the 'inventor' of the 4dKH CO2 DC) mentioning it a while back.

NS does sound promising, especially over ADA Malaya and Amazonia II that is known for its clouding. Any products that make the hobby easier and more accessible is a good thing in my book. It's nice to see some healthy competition to Aqua Soil who have dominated the planted tank enthusiast...

Re: Bad expereinces with ADA AS Could it be the wood? I got the same in my 370 litre, but it was the wood leeching a few tannins.

Re: Bad expereinces with ADA AS Nothing negative from me. I've used it in four different set-ups now. Plant growth has been noticeably superior in all four, compared with 'regular' substrates. It's also easier to plant into than most products. I think the biggest downside is the ammonia...

Some interesting points there, thanks. I always considered JBL one of the plant 'specialists', with their comprehensive 7-step system etc. etc. but I think you're right when they're catering for the majority rather than the minority 'hi-tech' aquascaping enthusiasts. Thankfully the other...

A ripped up cardboard box works a treat! You can implant stones etc. to help maintain separation and these are a great feature to if the layout suits.

Sounds like the new JBL substrate is a regular clay-based pellet-style product with good CEC. No doubt it will work well in combination with good water column nutrients, but ironically if you relied on the JBL liquid fert range, you may very well run into deficiencies, especially with...

Tobi, Do you intend doing any other substrates? It would be interesting to compare Oliver Knott's Naturesoil, as it does not leech ammonia. I wonder if it is as rich as Amazonia 1...

Thanks for posting - very interesting. I knew Amazonia 1 was the richest in nutrients but never realised by how much.

Thanks mate. The substrate review was in the planted special issue (March). http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... blogid=249 ADA Aqua Soil came out top for complete substrates, with Tropica Planted Substrate for stuff that need topping with regular gravel/sand. I've used a lot of...

Aquaclay is available in the UK. Both our sponsors, AE and TGM, stock it.

There's Oliver Knott's new substrate and JBL are bringing out a similar product soon, I believe. I've not heard of any feedback regarding these products - yet. It will be interesting to see how they perform compared with Aqua Soil. Apparently they don't leech ammonia, so are more...

I'd personally choose Amazonia over Amazonia II. This makes an interesting read from one of the biggest users of ADA products... http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... ia-ii.html The Powder type is more suitable for nanos and is easier to plant into for very delicate root structures...

Really?! I don't think Tom sees it like that. Destroying 'myths' perhaps, not 'someone'... ;) I'm going to be trying out Powersand and all the associated stuff soon, with Aqua Soil and ADA liquid ferts. I look forward to noting any (if any) differences in plant growth etc. compared to other...

This thread may interest some of you... http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/gener ... post355114

Thanks for the chemistry lesson, Aaron!

It's impossible to say, John. The manufacturers cannot give accurate data either, as everyone's set up is different. Generally I change mine every 12-18 months, or sooner, but some go on for many years. If you are dosing the water column heavily (EI etc.) then the nutrient content is almost...

It should be in the next issue (Mar '09), out soon. There's photos of 20+ products - both the packaging and the actual grains etc. It took me two whole days of photographing (40+ photos) and writing (4,000 words) to complete. My biggest feature yet.

I've just reviewed this, for PFK, along with over 20 other substrate products. It looks great value and claims to contain a wide variety of nutrients. Certainly worth considering for those on a tight budget (who isn't, these days?!)

Should work fine.

I like Eco-Complete as an alternative to ADA Aqua Soil. Also worth considering is Red Sea Florabase. I've not used it but it appears quite similar in composition to Aqua Soil with less nutrients (no ammonia spike, but pH buffering). The Seachem Flourite range perform well but are relatively...

Nice comparison, Graham. Thanks for posting. If you don't mind I may use some of this data in a forthcoming article for PFK...?

I've used three out of four and they all performed well. It's hard to say which was best as they were in very different set ups. If you're mixing it with Akadama etc. then personally I'd go for the least expensive.

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... blogid=123 http://www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/e ... y-not.html http://www.barrreport.com/general-plant ... ables.html

As Ed suggests, the only off-the-shelf substrate to release ammonia is ADA Aqua Soil. It's worth the 'hassle' though. Best substrate I've used.

Unipac, the same wholesaler behind Sumatra wood, provide a very wide selection of suitable substrates. Most Maidenhead Aquatic stores stock them.

Hi Jeff I've had good results with Tropica substrate, topping with inert substrate. It's not nutrient-rich immediately but has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC) meaning that it obtains nutrients from the water column making them available to the plant roots. So a nutrient-rich water...

Fascinating. Senske is a credit to the hobby (and a good salesman to boot!) Thanks for posting, Rich.

I've had my best results yet with Aqua Soil. The Powder variety is ideal for HC planting.

I've also had good results with the JBL stuff and 1-2mm Unipac silica sand. I honestly believe that most off-the-shelf substrates perform very much the same. I've tried around six manufacturers now, with no noticeable difference, except ADA Aqua Soil that is superior. If you are fertilising...

James, you the man! Worth a sticky, for sure. Thanks for sharing your hard work, yet again. Are you up for that PFK reader visit soon...?

Amazonia is richer than the others. You know about the ammonia spikes, pH crashes etc? Plenty of water changes and/or zeolite/carbon/Purigen will help in the first few weeks if you want to stock fish.

I wet the substrate prior to adding to the tank, then plant into the wet substrate. No more water until finished - except a spray mister to stop the plants from drying out. Filling ultra-slowly will prevent any clouding, even if the substrate isn't too clean. ADA Aqua Soil will punish you...

It has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), like many other good substrates out there. The plants can still use water column nutrients too, especially if dosing daily like many of us do. But substrates with high CEC can also remove some nutrients from the water and store them. The plants...

Substrate heating may well help to prevent excess anaerobic areas. But I'd rather have enough plant/root growth to avoid it in the first place, personally.

Sounds great! What plants will you be using? Heavy root-feeders may show the biggest difference, if there is one, of course! ;) That will make a great feature for PFK and I'm sure the online planted community will be very interested too...

I hear you too, Peter. Proving experts wrong is fun isn't it? But you need controlled experiements to do so. Tom Barr would have a field day with this thread. :D How can you be sure it is not coincidental that growth is improved with the substrate heating? Wouldn't the bulbs react anyway to...

Hi Peter, Interesting that you are using pH controllers and substrate heating. Latest thinking is that these are a waste of money and do very little for plant growth and long-term aquarium health. Dennerle will tell you different, of course... :D Anyway, I look forward to following the blog...