Old shrimp tank Ada soil convert to keeping angel fish

[Andy Woo]

Can this old Ada soil from my previous shrimp tank be convert to keep angel fish ? Any expert can advise ?

[Urban Aquaria]

That can be done... though depending on how long the ADA aquasoil was used in the previous shrimp tank, its overall pH and KH buffering capability might be reduced, so if you want to achieve specific parameters for your angle fishes, you may need to top up with fresh ADA aquasoil to maintain its buffering ability (just monitor the parameters and adjust accordingly).

[Andy Woo]

That can be done... though depending on how long the ADA aquasoil was used in the previous shrimp tank, its overall pH and KH buffering capability might be reduced, so if you want to achieve specific parameters for your angle fishes, you may need to top up with fresh ADA aquasoil to maintain its buffering ability (just monitor the parameters and adjust accordingly).

The soils are more then a year old ,is it possible to keep angel fish without topping up with new soil ?because not thinking of spending money on this .

[Urban Aquaria]

The soils are more then a year old ,is it possible to keep angel fish without topping up with new soil ?because not thinking of spending money on this .

I guess the only way to know is to test the water parameters after the tank is set up... most angel fishes can usually adapt to a range of pH levels anyways, even neutral to slightly alkaline is okay (just make sure the tank is fully cycled and the fishes are properly drip acclimated before introduction).

Though if you want to breed them, then it'll be more necessary to maintain lower pH softwater conditions.

[Andy Woo]

I guess the only way to know is to test the water parameters after the tank is set up... most angel fishes can usually adapt to a range of pH levels anyways, even neutral to slightly alkaline is okay (just make sure the tank is fully cycled and the fishes are properly drip acclimated before introduction).

Though if you want to breed them, then it'll be more necessary to maintain lower pH softwater conditions.

Thanks for the advise .

[Andy Woo]

Is it better to use sand instead of soil ?

[Urban Aquaria]

Is it better to use sand instead of soil ?

Sand is okay to use too (easier to clean up as the dirt and debris sit on top of the sand), but sand is usually inert so if you require lower pH conditions for your fishes (ie. to help them breed), then you'll need to use other methods to lower the pH... like adding lots of driftwood that release tannins, adding ketapang leaves, putting peat bag into filter, dosing blackwater extracts etc.

[Andy Woo]

Sand is okay to use too (easier to clean up as the dirt and debris sit on top of the sand), but sand is usually inert so if you require lower pH conditions for your fishes (ie. to help them breed), then you'll need to use other methods to lower the pH... like adding lots of driftwood that release tannins, adding ketapang leaves, putting peat bag into filter, dosing blackwater extracts etc.

Yes,i am thinking of setting up a tank with sand and woods with some plants for my angel fry .