Recommendation for type of soil to be use in planted tank

**Bangwalldie** · 19th Dec 2015, 10:03

Can anyone recommend some good brands of soil such ADA etc. For my previous tank, I've use HELP A.D.V.A.N.C.E soil and I heard that over time it'll turn into mud thus I may not be using back the same brand. So can any experts recommend me some good brands, I'll be mostly having CRS in the tank as well.

**skytan** · 19th Dec 2015, 15:38

also a beginner.

I think ADA soil is more for planted cos of the content in the soil for fertilizers.

If u have expensive shrimps i think benbachi or some of those soil more suitable for shrimps.

**Urban Aquaria** · 20th Dec 2015, 00:14

In my experience, i find that a percentage of any ADA aquasoil used will still tend to breakdown into dust/mud after a period of time too... if you really want a substrate that will not breakdown, can consider looking at Up Aqua Shrimp Sand, it's granules are solid and hard, will not breakdown easily unless you physically crush them.

The only thing is they look like "po chye pills", which may seem abit un-natural looking to some people.

**Bangwalldie** · 1st Jan 2016, 15:04

I have read reviews that aquasoil such as ADA are suitable for raising shrimps and planted tank, how true is this ? I was thinking of using one type of soil to cater to the shrimps and plant needs.

**Urban Aquaria** · 1st Jan 2016, 15:38

Originally Posted by Bangwalldie

I have read reviews that aquasoil such as ADA are suitable for raising shrimps and planted tank, how true is this ? I was thinking of using one type of soil to cater to the shrimps and plant needs.

ADA Amazonia aquasoil is indeed one of the best and most tried and tested soil substrates for growing aquarium plants... it buffers lower pH and KH too, which also helps to maintain a suitable environment for various shrimp and fish species which live in acidic pH softwater conditions.

The thing you have to watch out for when using ADA Amazonia aquasoil is that it is mainly designed for growing plants, so the initial ammonia and nutrient release is very high, in order to boost plant growth during the startup period. Hence it usually takes more time for the tank to fully cycle and ammonia/nitrites to become zero, before you can introduce livestock.

**happydanio123** · 2nd Jan 2016, 18:10

Hi there! I would personnally advice ADA Amazonian Aquasoil or Malaya Aquasoil. (Both are the same execpt for the colour) Why I simply like it si because it contains all the nutrients and minerals needed for rooted plants to thrive. However, like what Urban Aquaria said, the soil tends to disintergrate under pressure and after some time. In spite of that, based on my personal experience, this has never been a drawback for me as altough the soil will break apart to form "powder", this won't cloud up the water. Also, the ADA Amazonian has a very distict "Dark" look that makes it a very good contrast to your foilage above.

**happydanio123** · 2nd Jan 2016, 18:14

As for shrimp, I have a group of Yamatos and also a bunch of Cherry Shrimp that are residing in my ADA Aquasoil tank. The Shrimps look fine and in fact, my Yamatos have spawned once or twice already in this tank set up. If there is any cause for concern, it is in the initial setup when the automatic cycling feature of ADA Aquasoil when the Ammonia levels may fluctuate and rise exponentially. However this is a productive trait as it will allow you to execute fishless cycling. Is your tank a fresh set up or are you just planning to replace soil for an ongoing set up?

**Urban Aquaria** · 2nd Jan 2016, 23:51

Just some quick clarification on ADA Amazonia aquasoil and ADA Malaya aquasoil... both are actually designed with different properties and characteristics, not just different color.

ADA Amazonia aquasoil contains higher levels of ammonia and other nutrients, and it typically buffers tank water to approx 6.4-6.6 pH (depending on ratio of soil to water volume), hence more suitable for aquascaping and growing plants.

On the other-hand, ADA Malaya aquasoil releases very low levels of ammonia and nutrients (almost none), but its designed to buffer tank water much lower to around 5.4-5.6 pH, hence more suitable for setups which require lower pH for certain livestock, with not as much emphasis on growing plants.