Doubts about volcanic sand?

[jhseah]

Hi

Anyone can tell me what's volcanic sand? Izzit ADA sand?

My friend asks me because this lfs owner recommend him to use for setting up his planted tank as this sand doesn't require to put fertilizer and CO2 for the plants and can last for 4 yrs!!!
Izzit true? Heard some forumers say they get crushed/degrade easily.

Need some input to advise my friend.

Thanks

[NaRcOsIs]

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On 9/18/2003 8:30:44 AM

Hi

Anyone can tell me what's volcanic sand? Izzit ADA sand?

My friend asks me because this lfs owner recommend him to use for setting up his planted tank as this sand doesn't require to put fertilizer and CO2 for the plants and can last for 4 yrs!!!
Izzit true? Heard some forumers say they get crushed/degrade easily.

Need some input to advise my friend.

Thanks
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doesn't require fertilizer but still need CO2

[smgwee]

Hi there,

If I am not wrong the LFS should be referring to ADA power sand. If you have done a search in the ADP mailing list you will realize that ADA power sand is actually make up of pumice stone, peat and fertilizer. So the sand is actually a composite material, It is not fertilizer is not required, it is already in there. By the way there is recipe for a poor man version of power sand. (I can’t remember very clearly, it should be called Poor Man Amano Substrate). Unfortunately pumice stone is hard to find in Singapore. (if anyone know where I can get pumice stone, please contact me at [email protected])

What you hear about the sand been easily crush/degrade is actually ADA aquasoil. I feel that CO2 is still necessary.

I hope this help.

Regards,
Gwee Sia Meng

[smgwee]

My apologies, it should be APD not ADP mailing list

Regards,
Gwee Sia Meng

[loupgarou]

volcanit/natalit can be found at thatfish and pet place ( I think they are closed these few weeks).

also can be found at plantas aquatica.

fluorite (www.seachem.com) and onyx you can order from petmart or aquamart

[PeterGwee]

The no need fertilizer part is plain nonsense... CO2 or no CO2 depends on whether you are going high or low light and the type of plants you plan to have.

[loupgarou]

the no need fert part is partially correct.

as in you don't need to put base fert.

(with exception: echinodorus species and some aponogetons you may need to do root fertilisation).

you will probably need to dose liquid fert (well I never tried without).