Changing my tank substrate

[Clementi]

I'm looking to redo the aquascape to a planted tank. I'm pondering on different substrates. I was told by a LFS to use Aqua soil Amazonia by nature aquarium. A friend told me to use Lapis sand. I'm also thinking if I'm to use either of the above substrates should I still add a layer of base fertilizer. Can somebody enlighten me on the matter?

[Aquaculture]

Lapis is inert, a base fert is recommended. As for aquasoil, its rather debatable. Some people uses it whereas some people don't as aquasol on its own has some fert propertities.

Maybe read on this GeX substrate... seems to be quite good

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...=30858&page=10

[Clementi]

If I'm to use aquasoil, shld I top it up with Lapis or the red bee sand suggested? Or aquasoil can be used by itself?

[illumnae]

aquasoil can be used by itself, or you can use the bottom additives from ADA as well

[Clementi]

What kind of ADA additives? Is it some kind of base fertilizer. I'm considering using aquasoil and top it up with pea gravels for a more natural look. Will that reduce the effectiveness of aquasoil?

[Aquaculture]

You may use ADA powersand special as base fert or aquasoil on its own.

[Clementi]

I'm pondering on using aquasoil and top it with gravel. Is that workable?

[marle]

You will be wasting the soil, i rather you put lapis sand at the bottom and ada amazonia on top.

[Clementi]

Thanks Marle, good idea. I'll layer the bottom with ADA powersand special as base fert top with pea gravel and then Amazonia. I want to get this right and looking forward to a planted tank. Any comments?

[heeroyu16]

Some more suggestions:
I use bamboo charcoal (bought from Daiso) crushed it and 1 kg of aqua clay, added some water and beneficial bacteria. Top it up with ADA Amazonia
My friend uses porous stones like pumice stones as part of his base plus bamboo charcoal. (remember to wash and boil the charcoal to remove impurities)

The main idea is to help the soil to be "active" and less anaerobic

You can also try adding more things to help the tank mature like Dried Bacteria like Dupla Bacteria or other brands, along with ADA Penac W, ADA Penac P.

[oblivion]

You can also try adding more things to help the tank mature like Dried Bacteria like Dupla Bacteria or other brands, along with ADA Penac W, ADA Penac P.

firstly my apologies for the hijack but this really piqued my interest
you mentioned the Dupla dry bacteria - its Dupla Baccies right?
can you advise where can i get it?
i've been trying to find it for ages but no lfs seems to be selling it!

[Clementi]

[QUOTE=heeroyu16;286209]Some more suggestions:
I use bamboo charcoal (bought from Daiso) crushed it and 1 kg of aqua clay, added some water and beneficial bacteria. Top it up with ADA Amazonia
My friend uses porous stones like pumice stones as part of his base plus bamboo charcoal. (remember to wash and boil the charcoal to remove impurities)

Cool idea. Can I get the aqua clay frm LFS?

BTW, do I need to wash the Amazonia before placing into my tank?

[Aquaculture]

Aquasoil doesn't need to be washed.

[heeroyu16]

Please do not wash any of the soil from ADA or GEX, you will "spoil" the soil as you will wash the nutrients away..
Unlike sand based soils, these soils has some nutrients in them.

[Biotopeshop]

Also to add, ADA /GEX soils will help greatly in startups, but in the long run, these nutrients can be exhausted. A base fert will continue to provide the necesary nutrients.

Do note that sand will compact over time, hence "squeezing" the roots of the plants.

regards

thio

[marle]

if the nutrients really runs out, an alternative way is to add root fertilizers like root monster or JBL's "The 7 balls".

[Midori]

For a rich and sustainable substrate, I would recommend:

ADA Powders (Bacter100, Tourmaline BC, PenacW, PenacP, Clear Super)
ADA Power Sand Special
ADA Amazonia Soil (If you use Generation I Amazonia, best to add a UV Filter.)

If you have budget, you can also consider adding FERKA Aquabase to the Power Sand Special layer. Aquabase contributes to some acidic property, also supports and stimulates bacterial colonizing



Check out the Articles on ADA substrate here (scroll all the way down) >>

[heeroyu16]

Dupla Baccies...
I got it in HK... Singapore hard to find
Found one Distributor(?Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm not too sure if they are distributor or some other)

AquaTechnic Pte Ltd
44 Kallang Place, Fourstar Building #01-02, Singapore 339172
Tel : 65-6348 0048
Fax: 65-6348 1735
Email: [email protected]
Website: aquatechnic.net

[Clementi]

Finally I'm on my way to redo my tank. I have removed all my existing substrate and was thinking of recycling the gravels. However I had a layer of mud recommended by LFS. All mixed up with my gravels. Tried to wash it but wasting more precious water instead. So decided to dump all down the chute.

Bot power sand and Amazonia II frm 328. My problem is 328 has only 1 bag of Amazonia II and I needed 2 bags according to the lady boss. I'm looking to setup this Sat to get it ready for Xmas.

I'm thinking if I shld lay the bottom with powersand, top with Lapis sand then Amazonia II to give it depth. In the long run will there be any difference in the substrate performance?

Any suggestion on plants?

Looking forward to some input.

[yyylarry]

hmmm learning alot of lessons from this thread.