Regarding GEX Soil (Red Packaging)

[Puffer]

Was in the midst of rescaping my 3 feet tank. Intending to keep a fairly-low tech planted tank with shrimps, a couple of bristlenoses, a shoal of C pygmaeus perhaps. So off I went to C328 this afternoon and got 2 big packets of 8kg soil (this quantity was recommended by Mr Toh for a 3-footer). However, upon pouring all the soil into tank, found out that it barely covers up to 3cm in height. Also, the round pellets seem to be easily squashed and disintegrated. Is this normal? As I could not read Japanese wordings on the packaging, I did a test by pouring a quarter of packet to rinse - could this be the reason I have 'lost' some of the soil as well?

Looks like I need to get another packet next morning. Should I get a 'Green' packet this time to mix?

[benjidog]

I think there is no need to rinse. I think it is stated on the front of the packaging.The size of the substrate in the green package is larger. About 3 mm diameter whereas the Red pack grain size is about 1.5mm. I used only red pack 2kg to set up my shrimp nano 1 ft tank. And one green pack 4kg (balance about 1kg) to set up another 1ft nano planted tank. Despite the weight stated on the pack, once you pour it into the tank, it hardly seems enough to fill up. Maybe you can shift the red pack grains (which is meant for shrimps) to the front of the tank and add a Green pack (which is meant for planted) to the rear portion for your plants?

[GreenChapter]

For a 3ft, you need around 4 bags of soil. if you are creating high slopes and such, you could even need up to 6 bags.

[Matt.Lee]

Will these soil disintegrate over time? I would looking into my tank last week and found them flatten out. Why is this so? Any way to prevent? Or is there any other type of soil that does not disintegrate over time?

[Puffer]

Hi benjidog & GreenChapter,

Tthanks for the advice. I got another 8kg red pack this morning, so total of 8kg x 3 packs, and it looks great. Water poured into the tank (1st round) was surprisingly clear with only the surface filled with dirt and debris.

Hi Matt.Lee,

I think the soil will disintegrate over time, and very soon. Did you try taking a few grains on your fingers and press on them?