Difference between ADA substrate

[Buckiheisman]

Is there any big difference between the 3 ADA substrates Amazonia, Malaya, and Africana? Does the choice of these substrates really just depend on the type of plants in the aquarium? I'm trying to put together a project and I'm attempting to gather as much information as possible before I start So let me know your favorite substrate, I'm open to suggestions!

[StanChung]

Hi BUck,
ADA substrates Amazonia, Malaya, and Africana have different properties and colour.
Amazonia-black and the richest in nutrients
Malaya, red and less rich.
Africana- redder even less rich and harder granules.

Africana is good for those who like the setup to look immediately clear. Amazonia is notorious for giving cloudy water although Amazonia 2 has addressed this problem.

[ADA SG]

Hi Buck,
in additional to what the moderator had mentioned, there are also differences in the pH buffering capability of the soil.

In the Issue No: 151 of AquaJournal, tests were performed by ADA themselves on the various pH, kH and NH4 levels. The tests brought out some surprising figures which we were taken aback.

Tap Water reference values
pH: 7.6
kH: 2
NH4: <0.01

Amazonia I
pH: 6.8
kH: < 1
NH4: 1

Amazonia II
pH: 6.4
kH: < 1
NH4: 0.5

Africana
pH: 5.9
kH: < 1
NH4: < 0.01

Malaya
pH: 5.5
kH: < 1
NH4: < 0.01

[StanChung]

I have AJ 151 and have not read it yet...LOL.[er not that I can read japanese] Thanks Thio for posting.

[illumnae]

wow, i always thought Africana lowered the ph most....guess malayan does my tanks achieve ph 5.1 with africana and my tap water...wonder what malaya will achieve

[moss_guy]

Guess Africana is more suitable for crs keeping. Correct me if I am wrong.

[wks]

Hi ADA, is NH4 measured in ppm for these tests?

[ranmasatome]

Translation is very taxing one... think i need to brush up my japanese...kekeke..

[ADA SG]

wow, i always thought Africana lowered the ph most....guess malayan does my tanks achieve ph 5.1 with africana and my tap water...wonder what malaya will achieve

This is one of the major issue point that we were surprised to read too; given the various experiences the local hobbyists have been experiencing. However, if it is true, then Malaya soil will be a good alternative to people who wants a lower pH and also more fertile soil than Amazonia II and Africana. Sort of an in-between.

Guess Africana is more suitable for crs keeping. Correct me if I am wrong.

Most Japanese and Taiwanese breeders uses Amazonia or Amazonia II predominately. In the various Red Bee Shrimp books, most of the interviewed home breeders use Amazonia.

However, experiences will vary among hobbyists.

Hi ADA, is NH4 measured in ppm for these tests?

On this issue, it is not stated explicitly in the article. However, it could be ppm. Also to add on, the values measured are performed 48hours after the water has been added to the soil.

[Shadow]

I have AJ 151 and have not read it yet...LOL.[er not that I can read japanese] Thanks Thio for posting.

Why did you buy if you can't read it?

[David Moses Heng]

maybe to admire the pictures?

[StanChung]

I always buy it and try to figure out the text but mostly for the pictures. They're quite inspirational. I have a couple of friends that can read Japanese but they're free most of the time. [They're Japanese!]