Rescape with mix of new and old aquasoil

[nightscent]

Hi all, I will be re-scaping my 4 feet tank soon and have already begun the long process of removing all my hardscape and livestock. The substrate - ADA Amazonia II and a layer of ADA Powersand Special below has been in use for about 2 years running.

I must say however, that the tank was not heavily planted as my foreground plants did not quite flourish but I would still think a large amount of nutrients would probably have leeched out of the soil. Instead of completely beginning from scratch, would I be able to get away with removing the top half of aquasoil and placing new aquasoil on top with the deeper substrate supplemented by root tablets?

I am most concerned with the amount of nutrients root feeders would be able to extract from my substrate and the ability of the old aquasoil to hold its granular form (I've heard it degrades into mush?).

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[felix_fx2]

You can add those rootmonster or get some base fert.

Btw, which method you use to remove the muddy part in the old substrate.

[thebaldingaquarist]

I was in a similar situation to you. My soil was GEX(lower) and ADA(top) and Contro(top) soil mixed. under which is aquabasis.
Soil was in use for 1.5 years.

What i did was
1. remove livestock
2. uproot plants (water will become muddy as i have Valis and amazon swords)
3. remove water up to the soil level.
4. scape, plant , adjust soil level. Added JBL ball and root tabs at places where i have root feeders.
5. add another tier of ADA powder on top.
6. slowly fill water (real slow)

I don't have big fishes or plecos. so the soil at the top was not disturb. Water remains clear.

Hope it helps.

[nightscent]

Thanks for the comments Basically I stirred up the mud by using a hose to fill up the tank while allowing the filters to run. Most of the debris and particles were removed and the substrate was slightly cleaner. I will mostly go with what Erctheanda has done and hopefully all goes well!

I have some plant matter remaining in the soil - do I have to remove them all or would they just become nutrients in the end?

[thebaldingaquarist]

Thanks for the comments Basically I stirred up the mud by using a hose to fill up the tank while allowing the filters to run. Most of the debris and particles were removed and the substrate was slightly cleaner. I will mostly go with what Erctheanda has done and hopefully all goes well!

I have some plant matter remaining in the soil - do I have to remove them all or would they just become nutrients in the end?

If you are referring to roots, i left them in the soil.. too lazy to pick out.. haha

[good boy]

Hi Bros,

Just checking. After you add the new soil, do you need to cycle the tank for a couple of days before adding back the 'livestocks' ? Or when do you determine it is safe to put the livestocks back ? I just posted a new thread in the Beginner section today, asking for advice. I am researching on how to convert my current fish tank into an aquascape tank.

[diazman]

Hi Bros,

Just checking. After you add the new soil, do you need to cycle the tank for a couple of days before adding back the 'livestocks' ? Or when do you determine it is safe to put the livestocks back ? I just posted a new thread in the Beginner section today, asking for advice. I am researching on how to convert my current fish tank into an aquascape tank.

Always cycle the tank once you put the new soil, even by using back matured tank water. Popular brands like ADA tend to release ammonia. Just to be on the safe side

[good boy]

Thanks Diazman...