What is the best subtrate for planted tank?

[Sharkfin]

Just wondering what subtrate is the best or most successful for planted tanks?

[Goththug]

ADA Amazonia II for me.

[sammajor]

Same here ADA amazonia II

[Shadow]

ADA Amazonia original, haven't try the new Amazonia yet

[Sharkfin]

So if i get ADA Amazonia II or original, do i need fill the bottom of the tank with ferts before covering it up with subtrate?

[Shadow]

nope, not necessary

[wongce]

Ada Amazonia New is good stuff.

To answer your question,depend on budget...for me,plain ada soil is already better than most of the soil you can find in lfs.

[felix_fx2]

Most people use Ada Amazonia 2(now replaced by Amazonia new) or Gex plant soil.

There are also few who use alternative brands like project soil, ans.

[Shadow]

Most people use Ada Amazonia 2(now replaced by Amazonia new).

Not really, most people use ADA Amazonia the original, Amazonia 2 is considered by many as a fail product, less nutrient, crumble easily, and the crumble part redish color somemore.

[felix_fx2]

Not really, most people use ADA Amazonia the original, Amazonia 2 is considered by many as a fail product, less nutrient, crumble easily, and the crumble part redish color somemore.

Really? I never have chance to use it...
But I do have the same complain that it crumble easily.

[Sharkfin]

I went to a LFS today, and when i enquired about ADA, they promoted their ANS subtrate instead. Told me that ADA tends to cloud the water very easily and it may take up for 2 weeks to have clear water. On the contrary, ANS works just as fine, and rarely cloud water. How true is that?

[Shadow]

Only if you dont know how to use it. Normally mine clear since day one

I never use ANS so cant comment. Maybe you cdn find out what is ANS subtrate composition from that shop. Especially in term of nutrient level.

[wongce]

Ts, i used ans soil (red) for shrimps and plants, nutrient level is low and crumble easily. Yes, it clears quickly but they are like mud after a while (3months). I used the soil to grow some sword plants and not much growth till i switch to gex soil.

As what mentioned by mod shadow, pour in the water correctly ( use plastic bag/newspaper) as a shield so there is less disturbance to the soil. My tank clears within 1 day too.

Imho, if pricing is similar and there is available stock, go for ada amazonia New. Do note to cycle your tank properly as ada soil is notorious for ammonia and PH reducing properties( good for initial boost for plants)

[ADA SG]

Dear All,

Technically, Amazonia II was designed with lesser acidic content because the world market had commented that Amazonia was too rich and that it readily reacts with water of mild alkalinity, causing cloudiness.

In the end, Japan decided that it was prudent to combine the properties of both Amazonia and Amazonia II to brand it as New Amazonia.

Also, we wish to highlight that it is ammonium (NH4) that is present in ADA soils, which is a boost for plant roots to absorb nutrients. The amount of NH4 is indicated in the ADA catalogue. Since most test kits are produced to test for NH3/NH4, hence, they will show a higher reading when we test the water, when either one of them (NH3 or NH4) is present. Ammonia (NH3) is toxic.

Should any one has queries regarding this issue, please email to us at: [email protected]. We will be glad to discuss further.

Many thanks and happy scaping

[Sharkfin]

Not really, most people use ADA Amazonia the original, Amazonia 2 is considered by many as a fail product, less nutrient, crumble easily, and the crumble part redish color somemore.

So betweem Original and New, would you still recommend Original, and what can i buy it from at a good price?

[Shadow]

If not mistaken both Amazonia and Amazonia II are EOL, replace by New Amazonia. Can check with ADA more more accurate info

[ADA SG]

Hi all,

As mentioned by Shadow, the original Amazonia and Amazonia II are both no longer in production or in-stock.

You can find the New Amazonia aquasoil at the various LFS, like Polyart, That's.

If you have trouble locating the soils, drop as a mail at [email protected]

Happy scaping.

[Sharkfin]

Would it be beneficial to layer the ADA subtrate with the powder form? Does it makes planting easier?

[|squee|]

Sure it makes planting easier, especially if you're planting stuff like HC and glosso.

[Shadow]

just thin later will do, at least that what I normally do