Ada Powder Type In Non-planted Tank

[r.w.girard]

I was thinking that one might be able to use ADA aquasoil Amazonia powder type as a replacement for sand in an unplanted biotope with fish like corydoras due to its small size. Since it is dark, it is ideal for a lowlight setup. And it would help lower the pH, etc. Would that just be a disaster waiting to happen for algae reasons or what? Anyone have any ideas?

 

[elmo666]

Hmmm, interesting question. My thinking is that it would cause problems as it's a medium designed for a planted tank and as such is packed with nutrients. Would regular dark sand not be a better option as it is inert?

 

[r.w.girard]

Hmmm, interesting question. My thinking is that it would cause problems as it's a medium designed for a planted tank and as such is packed with nutrients. Would regular dark sand not be a better option as it is inert?

Yea, but it would be great to be able to have something that helped soften the water... But I figured that might be the case. I don't really want black sand, something a little more natural colored, only dark. ADA Orinoco sand seems to be out of circulation...

 

[elmo666]

Do funds allow you to purchase a small R/O unit or do you have an lfs that does it "on-tap"? This would allow you to have the soft water you want in a more controlled and substainable manner than using a substrate. Eventually the buffering capacity from it would be negligeble.

 

[r.w.girard]

Do funds allow you to purchase a small R/O unit or do you have an lfs that does it "on-tap"? This would allow you to have the soft water you want in a more controlled and substainable manner than using a substrate. Eventually the buffering capacity from it would be negligeble.

Sadly, no. Not because of fund but because of the apartment I rent and the distance between me and my lfses.

 

[elmo666]

Well, API do a water softening filter cartridge, think it has an ion exchange resin in it. It goes in line when drawing off water. May be worth looking at that if you do find an alterative substrate that you would find aesthetically pleasing.