ADA Aquasoil - Normal or Powder Type?

[dfinn]

Hi,

I am setting up a ADA 45p and wondered whether I am better going for Normal or Powder Type Aquasoil Amazonia.

Am I ok to go all powder type as this will give me a smaller grain size and I suppose a better aesthetic for this small tank. I was worried that if I mix the two that the powder type will just work its way to the bottom anyway over time?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Canadian Eric]

The finer stuff will work its way below the coarser grains, but I would just stick with the normal type all throughout. I'd be more concerned about soil impaction and anaerobic conditions with the finer stuff.

 

[Stu Worrall]

as above I wouldnt do all powder as it doesnt leave any gaps in the soil for the water to circulate. Get normal and if needed for any small plants get s small bag of powder for the top 1cm layer

 

[dfinn]

Cheers people,

So normal aqua soil is still ok for planting carpeting plants like HC or hair grass?

 

[Stu Worrall]

Cheers people,

So normal aqua soil is still ok for planting carpeting plants like HC or hair grass?

it is but its a bit more fiddly than planting into powder

 

[dfinn]

ok, might need a cap of powder type like you said, cheers.



Current mock-up of scape, will be all carpet and taller thin grasses between rocks background

 

[Canadian Eric]

I've always found that carpet plants, like HC, glosso, etc., do a better job of rooting by way of the DSM (dry start).